The Israeli Labour Party released its list of members running for the 19th Knesset on Friday morning following its party primary.

Labour leader Shelly Yacimovich expressed her delight at the outcome of the votes of 35,000 party members across Israel.

"We have an incredible list," said Ms Yacimovich in a speech to supporters. "In my best dreams, I could not have come up with a better list. It represents all factions of Israeli society."

Both new faces and old hands have been chosen as candidates. Former Welfare Minister Isaac Herzog came in second place behind Ms Yacimovich. In third place was former Defence Minister Amir Peretz, who has seen his profile boosted recently by the success of the Iron Dome anti-missile defence system.

New faces include social protest leaders Stav Shaffir and Itzik Shmuli, as well as defectors from Kadima and two senior military personnel.

A Likkud statement criticised the list as “extremist leftist”. The statement continued: “This is an extreme left list that enthusiastically supported the disengagement [from Gaza in 2005], who brought Hamas to power in Gaza, and that now may bring Gaza into Jerusalem and to the outskirts of Petah Tikva.”