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Israel

Israeli elections: Left proves to be cardboard opposition

January 10, 2013 17:00
Supporters of left-wing Meretz join hands to protest against the politicking of Yachimovich, Livni and Lapid (Photo: Flash 90)

ByAnshel Pfeffer, Anshel Pfeffer

2 min read

A week and a half before Israelis go to the polls, the main opposition parties are still squabbling between themselves.

Labour, Kadima and Yesh Atid are proving themselves incapable of capitalising on the travails of Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu which, while remaining on track to form the next government, continues to lose seats to its right-wing rival.

In addition, last Thursday, in an attempt to put her party above the 20-seat mark, Labour leader Shelly Yachimovich announced that on no condition would she join Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition after the election.

“We will either form the next government or lead the opposition,” said Ms Yachimovich at a press conference in Tel Aviv.