Former PM in run-off for Israeli Labour Party leadership

A former prime minister and a political newcomer who both pledge to bring down Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s government will face each other in a run-off after an inconclusive vote for leadership of Israel’s Labour Party.

Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak edged out Ami Ayalon 36 per cent to 31 percent in yesterday’s voting. While the victory marked an important milestone in Barak’s political comeback, he fell short of the 40% threshold needed for an outright victory, setting up a June 12 run-off against Ayalon.