Jewish Agency treasurer Shai Hermesh joins Kadima

Jewish Agency treasurer Shai Hermesh agreed to join Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's Kadima party in a meeting held between the two on Wednesday. Hermesh is a board member of the United Kibbutz Movement, and a former mayor of the Sha'ar Hanegev regional council. He was the fourth Labor member to join Kadima, following the lead of MKs Shimon Peres, Haim Ramon and Dalia Itzik. Earlier in the day former Shin Bet chief Avi Dichter also joined the prime minister's party, announcing his decision in a televised press conference.