In Israel, Barak Wins Labor Primary Over Ayalon

By MATTI FRIEDMAN, Associated Press | June 13, 2007

JERUSALEM — A former prime minister won the Labor Party primary over a relative political newcomer, party officials from both camps said late yesterday, in a race between two ex-military officers who both called on Prime Minister Olmert to step down.

Although the votes were still being counted, the officials said a former prime minister, Ehud Barak, would have a final margin of victory of 6% to 7% over Ami Ayalon, a former navy commander. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the tally was still in progress. Exit polls also showed Mr. Barak with a slight lead, ranging from 1 to 4 percentage points.

Mr. Barak is expected to replace deposed party leader, Amir Peretz, as defense minister in Mr. Olmert's Cabinet. Despite his call for Mr. Olmert to resign over last summer's inconclusive war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, Mr. Barak was not expected to pull his party out of the coalition right away.