Labor Runoff in Israel

It appears a runoff will be necessary to determine the next Labor leader (and with hope Israeli leader) as Barak leads Ami Ayalon with Peretz trailing both.

While it is reported that either man will likely withdraw Labor's participation in the current government, I believe it to be much less likely for Barak to win a general election for Prime Minister.

With Barak's baggage Labor needs a new voice, one with solid defense credentials (unlike Peretz) and I am hoping Ayalon will be the eventual winner.

Ayalon, a former navy chief and ex-head of the Shin Bet internal security agency, entered parliament only last year. He won support as a newcomer to the political scene, while also holding the security credentials demanded by Israeli voters.

...

"I think many people understand that we are, in fact, not just voting on the future of the Labor Party but to a very large extent on the future leadership of the state of Israel," he said at the northern Israel polling station where he cast his ballot.

I believe he is absolutely correct in his assessment of the current situation in Israel and the dire need for a strong Labor leader to bring the country to peace.  With a choice between perpetual war with Netanyahu, inept leadership with Kadima and a strong voice steeped in the country's defense under a Labor banner we must hope the country's voters will choose best.

And just think, a Labor government in Israel coupled with a Dem President and Congress could be the combination needed for peace.