The announcement of the results to the Labor Party primary on Friday
were met with mixed reactions from politicians across the political
spectrum.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's Likud party
expressed displeasure with the new Labor list, calling it an "extreme
Left list that reflects on party leader Yacimovich, who voted for
Hadash."
"This extreme Left list enthusiastically supported the
disengagement [from the Gaza Strip in 2005], helped Hamas gain power in
Gaza and now it might bring Gaza into Jerusalem and to the suburbs of
Petah Tikva."
Former
Kadima head and leader of "The Tzipi Livni Party," Tzipi Livni,
congratulated Labor, but lamented the fact that "Labor with Yacimovich
at its head has abandoned the diplomatic issue and turned left on social
issues."
"Only mere hours after the Palestinians were recognized in the UN
and in light of the diplomatic and security challenges ahead, The Tzipi
Livni Party is the only alternative to Netanyahu and the extreme Likud
Beytenu list," Livni added.
Meretz also congratulated Labor,
saying Labor member are now tasked with "an impossible mission, to
prevent their chairwoman Shelly Yacimovich from entering a coalition
with Netanyahu."
Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid said the Labor's
list "is worthy of a left-wing party that combines new faces with
long-standing experienced people."
"The political map is becoming
clear, Likud Beytenu is in the distinct Right, the Labor is in the
distinct Left and at the Center of the political map - Yesh Atid," Lapid
continued.
Gil Hoffman contributed to this report.