During a Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) interview, Labor Party leader Shelly Yacimovich announced the ex-minister who bought votes in the party’s primary election is none other than Yair Peretz, who has since moved to Tzipi Livni’s The Movement party. Peretz of course denies the validity of Yacimovich’s statements.

In a joint statement released by Yacimovich and party Secretary-General Hilik Bar, the two condemned such activities and expressed their delight over the fact “that those who allegedly did this are no longer members of the party.”

Peretz countered by calling the accusations “irresponsible” and accused Yacimovich of a “blood libel”. He told Israel Radio “I never never took part, not actively or passively in any way in any such activities.” He went on to cite his long career of public service and the fact that he was never suspected of or investigated for any law-breaking activity.

Israel Radio however explains the source, which went to police and passed a polygraph exam insists that at the very least, Peretz was aware of such activities.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)