Yiud Faction: The Brief Political History of a Knesset Breakaway
In the complex landscape of Israeli parliamentary politics, small factions often emerge from internal disputes within larger parties. One such instance was the formation of Yiud, a short-lived political faction that played a specific role during the 13th Knesset.
The Formation of Yiud
Yiud was established on February 7, 1994. The faction was created when three Members of the Knesset (MKs)—Alex Goldfarb, Esther Salmovitz, and Gonen Segev—decided to break away from the Tzomet party. This split was the direct result of a disagreement with the leader of Tzomet, Rafael Eitan.
Following their departure, the members of Yiud aligned themselves with the government led by Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. This move granted the faction significant influence within the administration, resulting in key ministerial appointments.
- Gonen Segev was appointed as the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.
- Alex Goldfarb served as the Deputy Minister of Housing and Construction.
Internal Shifts and Dissolution
The unity of the Yiud faction was temporary. On November 27, 1995, further internal divisions occurred when Alex Goldfarb and Esther Salmovitz broke away from Yiud to form a new faction called Atid.
This second split left Gonen Segev as the sole remaining member of Yiud. Because the faction lacked a broader base of support, Yiud did not compete in the 1996 elections, leading to its eventual disappearance from the political scene.
Key Facts
- Founded: February 7, 1994.
- Origin: A breakaway from the Tzomet party.
- Founding Members: Alex Goldfarb, Esther Salmovitz, and Gonen Segev.
- Government Alignment: Joined Yitzhak Rabin's government.
- End of Faction: Dissolved after not competing in the 1996 elections.
| Date | Event | Key Figures Involved |
|---|---|---|
| February 7, 1994 | Formation of Yiud from Tzomet | Goldfarb, Salmovitz, Segev |
| 1994-1995 | Participation in Rabin Government | Gonen Segev, Alex Goldfarb |
| November 27, 1995 | Split to form Atid | Goldfarb, Salmovitz |
| 1996 | Faction Dissolution | Gonen Segev |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Yiud faction formed?
Yiud was formed due to a disagreement between three MKs—Alex Goldfarb, Esther Salmovitz, and Gonen Segev—and the leader of the Tzomet party, Rafael Eitan.
Which government did Yiud support?
The faction joined the government led by Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.
What roles did Yiud members hold in the government?
Gonen Segev served as the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, while Alex Goldfarb served as the Deputy Minister of Housing and Construction.
What happened to the faction in November 1995?
Alex Goldfarb and Esther Salmovitz left Yiud to establish a new faction called Atid, leaving Gonen Segev as the only member.
When did Yiud officially cease to exist?
The faction disappeared after it failed to compete in the 1996 elections.