Tzipi Livni announced this morning that former Labor party leader Amir Peretz has joined her new party "The Movement" (Hatnua).
It has been no secret that relations are fraught between current Labor party chairperson Shelly Yachimovich and Peretz, nevertheless, the announcement is a political bombshell. Last week Peretz did not turn up to the meeting when the full Labor party list to the Knesset was presented.
Peretz was placed in third position in the Labor party list which she described as her "dream team." However, this morning, five minutes before she convened a press conference, Yachimovch was handed a note telling her that Peretz had left the party. Party lists for the January 22 elections must be finalized by 10 pm this evening.
Peretz is a former leader of the Histadrut and Defense Minister.
Livni also announced this morning that the former IDF chief education officer General (res.) Elazar Stern is joining her party.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 6, 2012
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2012