Tensions continue to flare between Labor Party leader Defense Minister Ehud Barak and his predecessor, Amir Peretz.

While it is clear Peretz will not be packing his bags just yet, the ousted party leader does carry more than a modicum of clout among many party supporters and he is threatening to begin rocking Barak’s boat in light of his derogatory statements in reference to Peretz.

Peretz stated that Barak has not yet learned that a leader must acquire the skills to maintain a working relationship even with the party’s rival factions, and his inability to do so will prove very costly politically speaking.

Peretz went on to tell reporters that he is not planning to leave the party, drawing an analogy of Shimon Peres and Yitzchak Rabin, who for years stood at the helm of the party despite their sharp differences, hinting that he and Barak can do the same.

Peretz told Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) that he does not foresee a major crisis in the party, also denying reports appearing in the daily Ma’ariv that he is planning a move to the Kadima Party. Peretz stated from his perspective, he is not at all interested in moving to Kadima, and plans to remain in his home and continue towards building the party.

Peretz however did not rule out primary elections, and hinted that he still believes he may still enjoy enough support to once again emerge victorious from a primary election and assume the mantle of leadership for the second time.

Peretz was forced to step down after mounting public opinion called for his dismissal as defense minister – the result of his poor performance in the Second Lebanon War.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)