Peretz prepares for life after Peres
Party chairman Amir Peretz refuses to comment on Peres' announcement he is to resign from Labor during press conference in Tel Aviv; presents new recruit former Jerusalem district police commander
"I very much hope Shimon Peres will remain a part of the Labor movement. I made every effort to ensure Peres will be a part of the expected revolution in Israel," Peretz said during a press conference in Tel Aviv.
"I would like Peres to be part of the
The newly-elected party leader refused to answer on more than one occasion whether he would be disappointed if Peres decides to leave the party.
Peretz did however comment on his party list for coming Knesset elections and even complemented his old foe Ehud Barak.
"The Labor's list will have place for all members joining us, including senior members. I plan to do all I can to ensure that our friends will be at the front of the list," he said, adding that he is scheduled to meet with Barak Thursday.
"Ehud Barak has a respectable place in returning labor to government," he said.
Labor's new recruit
Former Jerusalem District Police Commander Aryeh Amit, Labor's new recruit, said during the press conference that he decided to enter political life following Peretz's victory as party leader.
"It’s no secret that since I retired from the police a lot of people asked me to enter politics. I kept on finding excuses not to do so. When Amir Peretz burst forward and revived the party, it was clear that I would not find any excuse not to contribute," he said.
"I got the impression that he cares about people and suffering, and knows how to deal with it," he added.
Amit said that several parties asked him to join them, but were not even an option as far as he was concerned.
"All kinds of people approached me, but it was irrelevant, because once Amir burst forward I wanted to see myself beside him," he said.
"I will do all that I can in order to help Amir. I believe in his power, and we can move society forward," he added.
Peretz congratulated Amit for joining Labor, saying that his presence is very important in the fight against violence in Israeli society.
"The fight against crime fits together with our social views. Violence and crime are an anti-social disease," he said.
"We are receiving today one of the most reliable figures among the Israeli public," Peretz added.
Labor activists call on Peres to 'stay home'
Two former senior aides to Peres have called on him to stay in Labor.
“I am begging, stay with us. You are our father, and a father doesn’t leave his children alone. No one told you to go,” Yoram Marciano said.
Marciano said yesterday he spoke with Peres’ wife Sonia who thanked him for his contribution to the party and urged him to stay in Labor with Amir Peretz.
“I am excited because they taught me principles come before the party. How come today as Labor is proud to speak about peace and social values, and is on the way for a revolution, two people, Shimon Peres and Dalia Itzik, who introduced me to politics are leaving?” Marciano said.
Furthermore, Labor activists have signed a petition calling for Peres and Itzik to remain in the party.
“Dear Shimon, your followers and you enemies who are with you on the road to fulfilling you old vision, are calling on you today, with a sincere request, not to leave home. In our common home that is the Labor party, today, more than ever, we need you on the road to realize the dream,” the petition said.
