The Jerusalem Post’s Hebrew sister publication, Maariv, obtained copies of a WhatsApp conversation between Labor activists that depicted despair: “It seems to me that Gantz will be the next prime minister,” one message reads. This was sent by a well-known activist from the northern region, moments after Gantz's speech.
The atmosphere in the Labor Party has been difficult over the past month, following the departure of several active MKs, the near war between Labor and Tzipi Livni’s Hatnuah Party, and the inability of Chairman Avi Gabbay to successfully strengthen the party and or its standing.When Gantz appeared on Tuesday evening alongside his new partner, former defense minister Moshe “Bogie” Ya’alon, Labor members became even more agitated.
The WhatsApp conversation obtained by Maariv reflects this mood: “A sad day for the Labor Party,” the activist from the north continued. “Days?” He asked.
He was answered by a senior activist from the Jerusalem region, who asked: “Who will vote for us when there are two of them? I hope they win the election.”
Yet another activist responded, “I see it and it hurts. They are drinking from our punch bowl and we can do nothing about it.”