Ehud Barak quits Labor to form 'centrist, Zionist and democratic' party

Four Labor MKs to join Defense Minister in new Atzmaut (Independence) faction after months of infighting in once powerful party.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak announced Monday that he is stepping down as Labor Party chairman to set up a new party, following months of turmoil within the weakened faction.
In the wake of waning support from his own ministers, Barak is forming a new faction called Atzmaut (Independence). He will be joined by four fellow Labor lawmakers - Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai, and members of Knesset Shalom Simhon, Einat Wilf and Ori Noked.
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