Kadima: PM may try to split us up too
Members of leading opposition party fear Netanyahu will renew efforts to split it up, but Kadima officials mentioned as possible candidates say have yet to be approached
Senior Kadima officials said Monday evening they were concerned that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is renewing his efforts to divide the leading opposition party and convince its members to either join Likud or form a new faction and join the coalition.
Kadima members who have been mentioned as possible candidates to be wooed by Likud said Monday they have not been approached by anyone.
In February 2010 Netanyahu tried to divide Kadima with the help of Knesset Member Shaul Mofaz, who eventually remained in Kadima.
Earlier Monday, the Knesset's House Committee approved Defense Minister Ehud Barak request to split from the Labor Party and set up a new faction with Agriculture Minister Shalom Simhon, Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai, Deputy Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Orit Noked and Knesset Member Einat Wilf.
Later, three Labor ministers – Isaac Herzog, Binyamin Ben-Eliezer and Avishay Braverman - announced their resignation from Netanyahu's government.
As a result, Simhon will likely get the Industry, Trade and Labor portfolio. Interior Minister Eli Yishai has his eyes on the Welfare portfolio, previously held by Herzog. Netanyahu said he would hold on to the Welfare portfolio for the time being.
- Follow Ynetnews on Facebook
