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)