The Labor Party is holding a convention today, and one violent incident has already been reported. A group of Meretz Party supporters arrived at the Heichal HaTarbut (Hall of Culture) in Tel Aviv with a coffin symbolizing the “death” of Labor; loyal Labor members reacted violently to the gesture, and a mini-brawl developed.
At issue in the convention are the party’s continuing membership in the national unity government and its support for the proposed 2003 national budget. Party leader Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer said today that he is against quitting the government at this time, because it will lead to national elections in three months. The speeches of Ben-Eliezer and his two rivals for the party leadership, Amram Mitzna and Chaim Ramon, will be broadcast live throughout the country, and are expected to be rife with political jabs.
At issue in the convention are the party’s continuing membership in the national unity government and its support for the proposed 2003 national budget. Party leader Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer said today that he is against quitting the government at this time, because it will lead to national elections in three months. The speeches of Ben-Eliezer and his two rivals for the party leadership, Amram Mitzna and Chaim Ramon, will be broadcast live throughout the country, and are expected to be rife with political jabs.