Labor MK Pines-Paz to remain in Labor; Ex-police chief joins Likud

Labor Party MK Ophir Pines-Paz, who flirted with the idea of joining a new left-wing political faction to be headed by Meretz, informed party chairman Ehud Barak on Thursday that he intends to remain in Labor.

Pines-Paz will assume a key post in the party's election campaign. Fellow Laborite Ami Ayalon, who has also entertained thoughts of joining Meretz, is expected to announce his decision in the coming days.

Ex-police chief joins LikudFormer police commissioner Assaf Hefetz announced on Thursday he was joining the Likud, becoming the opposition party's latest recruit ahead of general elections in February.

"I couldn't think of anyone better to join than Assaf Hefetz," said Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a joint press conference with the former police chief.

Netanyahu said that Hefetz, who had been previously linked to Labor, would aid the government fight crime should the right-wing Likud gain electoral victory.

Hefetz, for his part, said: "I think the public has lost its personal security over the years. I am also a father to children, and the public's fear of violence and hooliganism must end."

Last week, former cabinet minister and Likud MK Benny Begin announced his return to politics and to the Likud Party, and his intention to run in the party primary for the next Knesset list.