Despite earlier reports, it appears that for now, Labor leader Ehud Barak does not have to fear a rebellion from within. Senior party ministers met on Thursday, stating unanimously that they are supporting the party leader and have no intentions of promoting primary elections, nor do they plan to declare themselves candidates for the party’s leadership slot.

Ami Ayalon, who earlier indicated he might declare himself as a leadership contender on Thursday stated he has no such plans at present. Amir Peretz, Barak’s political nemesis stated he too is not eying a renewed bid at the party’s leadership post and if the situation changes, all will be made aware. Barak unseated Peretz after he was compelled to step down as defense minister following his poor performance during the Second Lebanon War.

Former party leader Binyamin Ben-Eliezer stated, “He was democratically elected and he will lead the party. I will not let them do to him what they did to me.”

It appears the polls have convinced the party leadership, now aware that with Barak at the helm, Labor will most likely earn a maximum of ten seats in the next Knesset. With another name leading the party, the results are even more troubling.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)