BICOM

Former-head of Military Intelligence Amos Yadlin yesterday agreed to become the Zionist Camp’s (Labour-Hatnuah joint ticket) candidate for Defence Minister, boosting the slate’s security credentials.

Labour had been expected to recruit a high-profile security figure to complement its list of Knesset candidates elected in primaries last week, which has a strong socio-economic character. Former-Defence Minister and Kadima leader Shaul Mofaz reportedly rejected an offer from Labour leader Isaac Herzog, but Yadlin, who is also a former-Air Force general accepted a role as a candidate, saying “no diplomatic arrangement” can be concluded without “uncompromising security.” It remains unclear whether Yadlin will be placed in eleventh slot on the Zionist Camp list, which is reserved for a personal appointment from Herzog, or whether Yadlin prefers to be a ministerial candidate without sitting in Knesset.

Meanwhile, Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Lieberman presented his party’s list of Knesset candidates yesterday evening. Lieberman selected MK Orly Levy-Abecasis to be second on the list, followed by Absorption Minister Sofa Landver. Current ministers Yair Shamir, Yitzhak Aharonovitch and Uzi Landau were among several senior party figures who did not seek re-election. With Yisrael Beitenu struggling in the polls, current MKs Alex Miller, Leon Litinetsky and Shimon Ohayon may struggle to win Knesset seats. Meanwhile, UK-born Ashley Perry, a former-Lieberman advisor was placed in 20th slot on the list.

Meretz held their primaries yesterday, with party leader Zahava Galon already re-elected two weeks ago. The results of yesterday’s election placed current MKs Ilan Gilon, Issawi Freij, Michal Rosin and Tamar Zandberg in the second through to fifth slots on the list. Sixth place was secured by former-MK Mossi Raz. Meretz currently has six Knesset members and polls indicate a similar return in March.

Also yesterday, an internal Likud Party court ruled that Deputy Minister Tzipi Hotovely will fill the coveted 20th slot on the party’s list of Knesset candidates, rather than Avi Dichter. Discrepancies over the original vote led to yesterday’s ruling, although Dichter is set to appeal.