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| First rally for new Israel party | First rally for new Israel party |
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| A new Israeli political party launched by a Russian-born billionaire has held its first rally, vowing to become a major political player in the country. | A new Israeli political party launched by a Russian-born billionaire has held its first rally, vowing to become a major political player in the country. |
| The Social Justice Party, headed by tycoon Arcadi Gaydamak, is aiming to topple the government of Ehud Olmert. | The Social Justice Party, headed by tycoon Arcadi Gaydamak, is aiming to topple the government of Ehud Olmert. |
| Correspondents say the party appears to be on the right of the political spectrum, and is expected to focus on issues of concern to immigrants. | Correspondents say the party appears to be on the right of the political spectrum, and is expected to focus on issues of concern to immigrants. |
| Several hundred people attended the launch rally at a Jerusalem hotel. | Several hundred people attended the launch rally at a Jerusalem hotel. |
| The party's first candidates for parliamentary elections were unveiled, although Mr Gaydamak will not personally stand - aiming instead to become mayor of Jerusalem in elections next year. | The party's first candidates for parliamentary elections were unveiled, although Mr Gaydamak will not personally stand - aiming instead to become mayor of Jerusalem in elections next year. |
| "This evening sees the start of a change in this country for true social justice," Mr Gaydamak told supporters and journalists. | "This evening sees the start of a change in this country for true social justice," Mr Gaydamak told supporters and journalists. |
| The party says it is seeking peace between Arabs and Jews. | The party says it is seeking peace between Arabs and Jews. |
| Mr Gaydamak has previously said the best candidate for prime minister was the leader of the right-wing Likud opposition party, Binyamin Netanyahu. | Mr Gaydamak has previously said the best candidate for prime minister was the leader of the right-wing Likud opposition party, Binyamin Netanyahu. |
| The party believes it could take around 20 seats out of 120 in the country's parliament, the Knesset, enough to form a key bloc in a future coalition government. | The party believes it could take around 20 seats out of 120 in the country's parliament, the Knesset, enough to form a key bloc in a future coalition government. |
| Mr Gaydamak has accused Mr Olmert and his government of weak leadership, especially during the war in Lebanon last year. | Mr Gaydamak has accused Mr Olmert and his government of weak leadership, especially during the war in Lebanon last year. |
| Allegations | Allegations |
| Mr Gaydamak is a controversial figure, wanted in France for questioning in connection with an arms-dealing case. He strenuously denies any wrongdoing. | Mr Gaydamak is a controversial figure, wanted in France for questioning in connection with an arms-dealing case. He strenuously denies any wrongdoing. |
| He has accused the French justice system of "political persecution" against him. | He has accused the French justice system of "political persecution" against him. |
| The 54-year-old is a hugely successful businessman in Israel and has made a series of high-profile investments. | The 54-year-old is a hugely successful businessman in Israel and has made a series of high-profile investments. |
| He already owns Beitar Jerusalem, the current football league champions, and is also a sponsor of the Hapoel Jerusalem basketball team. | He already owns Beitar Jerusalem, the current football league champions, and is also a sponsor of the Hapoel Jerusalem basketball team. |
| Mr Gaydamak's son, Alexandre, owns the British Premiership football club Portsmouth. |