The party's conference approved a majority of 64 percent that Labor will join the unity government if and when it is established • Amir Peretz: "Joining an Equal Unity Government with Rotation"

• Amir Peretz (right) and Itzik Shmuli // Photo: Coco

Victory for Amir Peretz and Shmuli: By 64.2 percent, the Labor Party Conference (Sunday) approved the joining of the unity government. Labor Party Chairman MK Amir Peretz, who is appointed Minister of Economy, said: "I thank all the delegates, those who supported and those who opposed. We won a sweeping backing of the party members this evening to be the social and political marker of the government, and to change the agenda and Government's Economic Policy for Social Democracy.

"We are not joining the right-wing government, we are joining an equitable unity government with rotation. Our strategic cooperation with Benny Gantz will restore the labor movement to its position as a leading and influential political movement in Israel. I thank the members of Itzik Shmuli for the cooperation, and I am sure that the citizens of Israel will receive excellent welfare minister, To make a social and human mark in the Ministry of Social Affairs and in the government as a whole. 

"I thank the thousands of members of the conference who have exercised their democratic right in an effective, accessible and transparent digital process. The high percentage of voting has expressed the wishes of all the members of the conference, and I thank the Supervisory Board for the impeccable election campaign. I intend to work to unite the ranks in the coming days. And act together as one party. "

MK Itzik Shmuli, the Minister of Labor and Social Welfare: "I thank the members and members of the party conference who overwhelmingly approved our proposal and gave us the mandate to join the unity government and embark on a joint path with the Gantz and the Blue Whites. This is not an easy decision, but under the emergency it is We intend to fight within the government for a total change in socio-economic policy, and to provide a more meaningful response to the victims of the Corona economic crisis, as well as to be the left marker that will curb any attempt to damage democracy or promote unilateral annexation. 

"I intend to lead, with the backing of the chair, the move to create the necessary strategic partnership with Benny Gantz and White Blue, which can bring the Labor Party back to its natural place as a more central party in terms of its positions and impact. I thank my colleague Amir Peretz for his cooperation and am convinced that he will be able to contribute with his vast experience and ability to bring the social dome to the victims of the economic crisis. "