Amir Peretz
“I assume this role with a sense of admiration—acknowledging the great responsibility I hold in my hands—and will do everything I can to propel Israel Aerospace Industries forward,” said Amir Peretz.
“The Labor Party is starting over,” says Merav Michaeli, who just won the primary.
For the first time since its inception in the 1960s, in the March elections Israel’s Labor Party may fail to pass the electoral threshold.
In a first since its inception in the 1960s, Labor is not expected to secure the four Knesset seats required to pass the electoral threshold.
Labor leader Amir Peretz set to become Israel’s economy minister following a party vote in favor of joining the coalition • Peretz: “Strategic cooperation” with Blue and White leader Benny Gantz “will return Labor to its place as a leading and influential political movement.”
“This is not the result that will put Israel back on the right path,” says Blue and White leader Benny Gantz after release of exit polls • Labor head Amir Peretz blames Gantz’s “irresponsible campaign” for “damaging the left-wing bloc.”
Blue and White Party No. 2 Yair Lapid calls the event “a red flag for the citizens of Israel”; Yamina leader Naftali Bennett: “Hamas has stopped fearing Israel.”
In a special interview, Labor Party leader Amir Peretz defends his decision to join forces with Gesher, criticizes the Blue and White Party, and appeals to frustrated Labor supporters to come back to their political home.
Amir Peretz, who led Labor from 2005-06 and served as defense minister under Ehud Olmert, will now begin preparing the once-powerful party for Israel’s September election.
