PARTY NEWS

Yesh Atid:

The newest recruits to Yair Lapid’s party are Herzliya Mayor Yael German, 65, a former Meretz member and school principal.

In addition, Dimona Mayor Meir Cohen, 57, was previously a member of the Yisrael Beitenu party and also a school principal.

HaBayit HaYehudi

Party leader Minister Rabbi Prof. Daniel Hershkowitz has agreed to step down and endorse the leadership bid of Zevulun Orlev.

Shas

Media spokesman for Minister Arial Atias, 26-year-old Asher Gold will be the party’s spokesman during the election campaign.

Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) reports that Yisrael Behar, who advised PM Netanyahu on elections polls will be a senior election strategist for Shas. The appointment has not yet been finalized.

Kadima

After almost 10 years in Knesset, Kadima MK Ruchama Avraham announces she is leaving politics. She served in Likud prior to Kadima as well as serving as a cabinet minister and deputy cabinet minister.

NEWS FROM THE CANDIDATES

Ehud Olmert:

According to a Haaretz report, the former prime minister is unlikely to report to the political arena.

Tzipi Livni:

Aides to the former Kadima Party leader signal she will announce her decision regarding the upcoming election in the coming days. Mrs. Livni this morning met with President Peres, presumably to consult with him regarding her impending decision.

Aryeh Bibi:

Announcing he is breaking away from Kadima to move to Likud.

Tamar Zandberg:

The Meretz Tel Aviv Councilwoman is seeking a slot on the party’s Knesset lineup.

Amnon Mitzne:

Former Haifa mayor and head of the Labor Party announces he is considering running on the Labor Party ticket in the election.

Binyamin Begin:

Likud Minister-without-Portfolio Dr. Binyamin Begin announces he is not stepping down and plans to run on party ticket in upcoming election despite speculation to the contrary. He stressed “Likud is a national liberal party, not nationalistic, and respects the rights of all people”.

Uri Saguy:

The retired IDF major-general and chief of military intelligence is running for a slot on the Labor Party ticket.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)