Former journalist to led Israel’s Labour Party

Shelly Yachimovich, an outspoken former reporter, beat her one-time mentor, Amir Peretz, an ex-union leader and former party chairman who also served as defense minister, the TV reported.

It said initial results early Thursday showed 54 percent for Yachimovich and 45 percent for Peretz. Official results were set to be released later in the day.

Peretz spokesman Tom Wagner said Peretz conceded defeat and congratulated his rival in a phone call.

The dovish Labour dominated Israeli politics for Israel’s first three decades. It gradually weakened and now holds just eight seats in the 120-member parliament.

Elections in Israel could be as long as two years off.