Rising tension: The tension between member and ministers from the Labor party is heating up as Sunday’s Central Committee meeting draws near, in which Labor will vote to approve Chairman Amir Peretz' decision to stay in the government, in return for a few perks, when Israel Our Home joins the coalition.
Eight Labor MKs, headed by Minister Ophir Pines-Paz, drafted a proposal to be voted on by the committee, which states that sitting in the government with Israel Our Home constitutes a violation of the party’s obligations to its voters.
In the proposal, the MKs ask the committee members to overturn Peretz’ decision not to quit
the government even if the Right-wing party, led by Avigdor Lieberman, joins.
| Labor Rift |
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| Pines warns of Labor split over Lieberman / Attila Somfalvi |
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Labor minister, who voted against Peretz's deal with Olmert on Lieberman's entry to government, slams move and warns that Labor faction could split over inclusion of right-wing party |
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“The Labor party, headed by Defense Minister Amir Peretz, promised voters not to serve in a coalition with Israel Our Home headed by Avigdor Lieberman. The Central Committee is asked to forbid violating this commitment to the public.”
“In light of the Olmert-Lieberman agreement and the Olmert-Peretz agreement, the Central Committee instructs ministers and MKs to vote against the joining of Israel Our Home to the government and coalition in the Cabinet and the Knesset,” the proposal says.
The proposal is signed by Pines-Paz, MK Colette Avital, Avishai Braverman, Nadia Hilou, Shelly Yacimovich, Danny Yatom, Raleb Majadla and Yoram Marciano.
The MKs further requested that the vote be by secret ballot, “so it can be held in an orderly and respectable fashion, as suits such a decision.”
However, despite the proposal, it is expected that the Labor Central Committee will approve Peretz’ decision to sit in the government with Lieberman.
Just a few days ago, Pines-Paz warned that "the decision to remain in the government will split the Labor party to two camps," Pines-Paz said. Pines-Paz said he would think of resigning from the party if Lieberman joins the coalition.
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