Labor MK Peretz denies report he will move to Kadima

Report claimed former defense minister had sent associates to join Kadima and prepare the ground for his move prior to next elections.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
311_ amir peretz (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski/The Jerusalem Post))
311_ amir peretz
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski/The Jerusalem Post))
Labor MK Amir Peretz on Thursday strongly denied media reports that he would be joining Kadima in the future, Army Radio reported.
According to the report on Israeli news website Y-net, Peretz supporters have been joining Kadima lately in order to build a support system for him in the party.
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Peretz told Army Radio that he does not "command people to join this or that party."
Some Kadima members were displeased with the rumors that Peretz and his associates would be joining the party, according to the report. They feared Peretz and other Labor refugees would push them further down on Kadima's list.
On Tuesday, Labor MK Daniel Ben-Simon announced his intention to retire from the Labor party and create a faction of one outside the coalition.
"I do not agree with the path chosen by the ruling coalition; I am tormented by this government, and I am calling for members of Labor to respond to my request." Ben-Simon's request awaits the majority approval of the Labor Party.
Defense Minister and Labor chair Ehud Barak has not approved Ben-Simon's decision to leave the party. Barak has said he will be the last of the signatures needed by Ben-Simon in order to split, and will not stop Ben-Simon if he succeeds in getting a majority of party member signatures.
Barak defended the Labor's current condition, saying claims that the party has begun to crumble are far from reality.
Three members of the Knesset sent out an announcement saying: We understand Daniel Ben-Simon's desire to split from the Labor Party, and if the issue depends on us we will not stand in his way.