Labor faction MKs adamant in their refusal to accept the decision of the party’s central committee governing board remain opposed to Labor’s inclusion in the current coalition government. The ‘rebels’ have signaled they will not vote in favor of the state budget.

Barak will be meeting with the party rebels on Tuesday in the hope of changing their position. While they announce they will not support Labor’s decision to enter the coalition, they do fear Barak in his capacity as party leader will impose sanctions against them, limiting the number of private bills submitted or time slots allotted to them to address Knesset plenum sessions.

Most faction members feel that the leadership body announced its decision and they are all compelled to adhere to it, adding those who are unable to do so, may opt to leave. Party seniors explain that the rebel faction members will hear some harsh words from Barak on Tuesday, words that will make the situation crystal clear.

The rebel faction is made up of Ofir Pines, Amir Peretz, Eitan Cabel and Shelly Yacimovitz. Peretz has already announced plans to seek to regain the party leadership position from Barak and Cabel remains a fierce opponent of Barak. It is most unlikely the two will change their positions to satisfy Barak’s demands for party discipline.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)