Braverman declines Peretz's offer of cabinet post

Labor Party chairman Amir Peretz was meeting on Wednesday with frontrunner for the cabinet place recently vacated by Ophir Paz-Pines, MK Matan Vilna'i. Earlier, Peretz met with MK Avishay Braverman and asked him whether he would consider a cabinet position. Braverman replied that because he opposed the addition of Israel Beitenu to the coalition, it would be "inappropriate" for him to become a minister. Peretz is also expected to meet with former prime minister Ehud Barak after the latter's return from the US on Friday. Barak is set to deliver an address in New Jersey Wednesday night to an audience of more than 500 people, sponsored by the United Jewish Communities of Metrowest, New Jersey.