Knesset member Ram Ben-Barak from Yesh Atid announced yesterday that he intends to run against Yair Lapid for the leadership of the party in the upcoming elections in about two months. This morning, he made a sharp remark regarding his security experience compared to that of Lapid.
In an interview with Galei Tzahal (IDF Radio), Ben-Barak said, "If I stand at the helm of the party, no one will abandon it. I estimate that other demographics who do not currently vote for the party will say, 'If Ram Ben-Barak stands there with his record – we're joining Yesh Atid.'"
Regarding the claim that he has no chance and that everyone will vote for Lapid, Ben-Barak said, "Not all Knesset members in the party are of one mind – there are some I know will be with me. More than one."
Following a party convention, Yesh Atid announced today that elections for the party leader position will be held in December. Ben-Barak was the first Knesset member to announce that he will run against Lapid for the position.
"I congratulate the party leader MK Yair Lapid on the decision to hold elections for the party leader position," said Ben-Barak.
Ben-Barak stated, "As I have previously declared, I informed the party's elections committee this evening that I intend to submit my candidacy for the position."
"According to the election regulations, it is required to obtain 75 signatures from members of the convention, and I intend to do so," declared Ben-Barak.