Outgoing Labor leader Isaac Herzog announced Wednesday he would stay on as opposition leader in the Knesset as he passed the baton to newly elected chairman Avi Gabbay.
The newcomer Gabbay, who was elected Monday to head the Labor Party, is not a member of Knesset, making him ineligible to fill the position of opposition leader. Consequently, he has asked Herzog to remain in the role.
Wishing Gabbay luck in his new role as the head of the Labor Party, Herzog said, "There is sadness, but I'm also looking to the future and have a hope for something new. I'm offering my services to help this new thing and wholeheartedly give you this opportunity to succeed. I'll aid you in whatever you wish."
He called on members of Labor and the Zionist Union (Labor and Hatnua's joint Knesset list) to get behind Gabbay and "close ranks."
Gabbay said he was happy to see recent polls that point to a surge in support for Zionist Union following his election, noting however that "more than any of the polls, which are flattering and great, I'm mostly encouraged by the responses from people I hear and talk to, from all parties, who plan on returning to the Labor Party."
He vowed to "do whatever I can for us to win the elections," and said he would be present at the Knesset and "fully coordinate" with Herzog. "We'll work in a professional, friendly and open manner, because that's the only way to win," Gabbay added.