Social Justice (Israel)
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Social Justice (Hebrew: צדק חברתי, Tzedek Hevrati) is a newly-formed social movement in Israel. It is probable that the movement will become a political party in the near future.
[edit] Background
The movement was founded by Russian-Israeli billionaire, Arcadi Gaydamak on 21 February, 2007. It had been announced in the Israeli media the previous day that he would be founding a political party. Whilst the new organisation is not as yet a party, Gaydamak has stated that it could turn into one at any time "given the circumstances". [1]
He has suggested the movement does not seek ultimate power for itself, telling voters "Don't vote for Olmert, don't vote for Peretz - don't even vote for Gaydamak. Vote for Bibi".
If it becomes a political party, it is likely to run in tandem with Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud, hoping to pick up votes from former Likud members alienated by Netanyahu's financial policies. It has also been suggested by the Israeli media that the movement will eventually merge into Likud.
Gaydamak believes that as a party, the movement could win 25 seats in the next elections. However, he apparently would not wish to take a seat in the Knesset, preferring to remain as Party Chairman outside the parliament in a role similar to that of Shas's spiritual leader, Ovadia Yosef.
A poll from late February gave Gaydamak's party 14 seats.[2]
According to late March poll by radio station "RESHET BET" - Gaydamak 9 seats (Likud-31, Avoda-17, Kadima-11, SHAS-10, Liberman-10)[3]
[edit] References
- ^ Gaydamak announces formation of 'Social Justice' movement, Haaretz online
- ^ Likud First, Gaydamak Ties Labour in Israel, Angus Reid Global Monitor
- ^ Poll: Likud and Netanyahu in the lead, 29 March 2007, 7kanal.com
