Billionaire Russian-born Israeli businessman Arkady Gaydamak said Monday that he will run for mayor of Jerusalem, in a bid to replace incumbent Uri Lupolanski.
Gaydamak, rumored for months to be considering a move to politics, said he made the decision after he was told Sunday that Jerusalem had banned a march by World War II veterans.
He commented that he'd been considering the move for a long time, but made his decision after learning that the municipality wiouldn't let the veterans march.
The ban showed that Lupolianski's "spirit was wrong" for the city, Gaydamak said.
Jerusalem city officials haven't commented, yet.
Speaking in English - he doesn't actually speak Hebrew, Gaydamak told Israel Radio "The veterans are the symbol of our Jewish state. These people fought the Nazis, and they gave their lives for the state of Israel, because by their victory against Germany, they created the conditions for the Jewish state so, we should pay enormous respoect to these people. If the mayor of the city doesn't understand that, we should change him."
Months ago, Gaydamak was reported to be consulting with associates in Moscow who could help him mount a mayoral bid. Gaydamak cronies confirmed that he had consulted with ultra-Orthodox circles in the capital.
The idea initially arose when Gaydamak became tried to mediate between religious parties and representatives of the gay movements, which sought to hold a Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem.
Gaydamak reportedly believes he can find support for a mayoral bid in the ultra-Orthodox sector and among fans of the Beitar Jerusalem soccer club, which he owns. Ahead of a race, he has been strengthening his ties with the ultra-Orthodox sector.
In recent months, he has discussed the possibility of starting a political party, which he said would concentrate on social issues, leaving security and diplomatic issues to others. He also hinted at an alliance with Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu.
Gaydamak, born in Ukraine, is wanted in France for alleged illegal arms trading, with Angola, and money-laundering.
