Labor race: MKs form united front against Yachimovich

MKs Cabel, Margelit stand behind Yitzhak Herzog as he announces candidacy for party leadership

Moran Azulay|Published: 08.26.13 , 13:47

Labor Chairwoman Shelly Yachimovich faces fierce opposition in the race for the party's leadership. Knesset Member Issac Herzog announced his candidacy for Labor chairman on Monday backed by MKs Eitan Cabel and Erel Margalit who had previous plans to run for the spot themselves.

Primary elections will be held on November 21 and will see Yachimovich and Herzog going head to head. At Monday's press conference, Cabel and Margalit said they will work to get Herzog elected as if they were on their own campaign.

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Herzog on his part said that the MKs' decision proves leadership. "We've decided to join forces because we've realized the party needs new leadership," he said. "Unfortunately, Yachimovich will not bring the party to power again. Labor under Yachimovich has failed."

He further stated, "I'm not running for chairman of the opposition but for the country's leadership."

Mk Cabel said, "I decided to do the right thing for this time. If I compare Rabin's Labor in 1992 and Shelly's Labor in 2013 I can't find anything in common."

MK Margelit said the party had alienated a large portion of its voters and lost its voice on the peace process failing in distinguishing itself as a party offering a real alternative. "The only thing that happened under Yachimovich's leadership is division. Herzog knows how to work in a team."

Yachimovich congratulated Herzog on his decision to run and said he was a worthy opponent.

MK Nachman Shai has announced he is endorsing Yachimovich for party chairwoman. "Knowing her and her leadership, I have come to the conclusion Shelly should be given a mandate to lead the Labor party," he said.