"This is a very exciting evening for me and I feel the weight of my responsibility," Peretz said. "This evening should bring hope to the hearts of all peace-loving citizens. I thank all those who supported me and the other candidates, Itzik Shmuli and Stav Shafir, who are an important part of the leadership of this party and the next generation."
"I have decided not to hold victory celebrations because of the deep social rift that is intensifying before our eyes," Peretz continued. "The severe outbursts of protests by Ethiopian Israelis is an expression of the many years of discrimination that they carry with them. Tomorrow we will take all necessary actions to unite the party and turn it into a political home for every Israeli.”