Barak holds first political gathering

Independence faction Chairman Ehud Barak gathered his first political meeting on Sunday, which was attended by central Labor party activists. About 10 activists who expressed their willingness to join Independence arrived in Barak's office to discuss ways to recruit members from Labor.

Labor members slammed Barak's choice to hold the political gathering when the public attention is turned towards weighty strategic matters. "His insensitivity has reached new records," a senior Labor official said. "When the region is on fire he demonstrates a lack of understanding of what is going on." (Attila Somfalvi)