TUFI December 2005 Update: Peretz Resigns as Histadrut Leader
The past month has been one of great change, with major developments on the Israeli political scene, coupled with some positive developments in Palestine which for the first time in several years has led a renewed hope for peace in the region. Yet major security challenges still remain, as highlighted by yesterdays bombing in Netanya, that impede progress towards a viable two state solution.
Peretz resigns as Histadrut leader
Israeli Labor leader Amir Peretz has announced his resignation as Chairman of the Histadrut after ten years in the job. His designated successor is Ofer Eini, his current second in command and head of the Histadrut’s trade union department. If his appointment confirmed by the Histadrut’s executive and representative council, he will see out Peretz’s term of office, until leadership elections in 2007. Eini rose to prominence during his time as head of the Histadrut’s civil service division in major clashes with then Likud finance minister Binyamin Netanyahu's plans to slash public sector jobs. Following his appointment as trade-union department leader he won a major compensation package for port workers affected by partial privatization.
Meanwhile Amir Peretz launched his election campaign on Thursday 1st December at a rally attended by over 1200 people in Tel Aviv. Peretz outlined his plans for economic ‘revolution’. He critisised Sharon’s policies saying: “We know how to take care of people better than you, how to take care of every child, how to ensure that new immigrants can buy apartments.”
Five killed in suicide attack on Israeli Shopping Mall
Five people were killed and 40 wounded as a suicide bomber attacked a shopping mall in the costal town of Netanya at 11.30am on Monday 5th December. The bomber detonated the explosives outside the gate of the mall after being challenged by security guards. Islamic Jihad have claimed responsibility for the attack.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the Netanya bombing as an act of "terrorism" and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. After several weeks of relative calm Israel had recently carried out four missile strikes against targets in the Gaza strip in response to Quassam rocket attacks by Islamic Jihad on a Kibbutz near Ashkelon, bordering the Gaza Strip.
Fatah Primaries
For the first time in its history, members of the main Palestinian faction Fatah have voted in primaries for its electoral list in the run up to January’s Palestinian legislative elections. Over 463,000 Palestinians have registered for the selection process to choose between 774 candidates, who will then put to the electorate on January 25th. Jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti came top in the primary poll in the West Bank district of Ramallah, Palestinian analysts say the results are seen a victory for the Fatah young guard, which has been pushing for a stronger say within the movement. The poll was not without controversy however as voting was canceled in Gaza, Salfit and Qalqiliya due to the violence and disputes over voter eligibility.
First ever Palestinian Authority controlled border crossing opened
The Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt officially opened under Palestinian control on Saturday 27 November, thanks to a deal that involves EU officials monitoring the border. Monitors confirmed that 1,587 Palestinians crossed the border during its first full day of operations under Palestinian control. Spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, said it had “gone very smoothly”. Israeli forces continue to keep track of those entering Gaza through the crossing and can raise objections if suspected militants are allowed to gain entry.
Sharon and Peres quit their parties to form new party ‘Kadima’
Following last months election of Trade Union leader Amir Peretz as leader of the Israeli Labour Party, Israeli politics has been turned on its head. Ariel Sharon left the Likud, the party which he helped found, to form his own political party called Kadima (Hebrew for Forward) which has been gaining significant political momentum, with fourteen Likud and two Labour MKs crossing the floor to join Sharon.
Former Labor leader Shimon Peres has announced that he has left the Labor Party after losing its leadership election and has given his support to Sharon’s new party. 82 year old had help found the Israeli Labor party and had been party leader on three separate occasions, twice serving as Prime Minister. Labor Party Secretary-General, MK Eitan Cabel, said in reaction to the news, "It's a sad day when a leader that has received so much from the Labor Party abandons it just as it seems to have found a new hope."