According to news reports coming out of Israel, Histadrut chair Ofer Eini is to face a challenge to his leadership as Israel Labour Party chair Eitan Cabel announces his candidacy for leadership of the labour federation.

Cabel stepped down from his party post to challenge Eini in elections due to be held in May.  

Eini has come under criticism in recent months for the Histadrut’s late decision to support the ‘social justice’ campaigns that swept through the country last summer as well and its seemingly opportunistic decision to call a general strike against contract labour.

Despite rumors that Eini will soon leave the trade union movement either to assume a role in the party or in private business, it appears that he does intend to stand for re-election — and new Labour Party head Shelly Yachimovich previously announced her support for Eini.