Labor MK accuses leader of ‘stealing’ votes by joining Netanyahu government

Labor MK Merav Michaeli reacts to the party’s central committee approving joining a Netanyahu-led government by accusing party leader Peretz and fellow MK Itzik Shmuli of perpetrating the “worst act of political con-man-ship, stealing the votes of the Israelis who chose them.”

She calls the coalition agreement “an embarrassing collection of lies and distortions,” but refrains from immediately announcing her next step. She says the decision will be appealed at the Supreme Court, and that she will make a decision after the ruling is issued.

Michaeli thanks those who opposed the decision, adding that many others would have voted against it had there been a secret ballot, but supported it following “violent pressure” to avoid losing their jobs. She vows to continue fighting for the future of the Labor party.