Labor and Meretz Merge to Form ‘The Democrats’ Party

By Aryeh Stern

Israel’s two left-wing parties, Labor and Meretz, announced their merger into a new party called The Democrats on Sunday.

“One of the goals I set for us is to create connections that will lead to the exploitation of the camp’s electoral potential,” said Labor leader Yair Golan, who will lead The Democrats.

“Today we have built a framework that will serve the public as best as possible on the way to promoting elections and replacing the worst government since the establishment of the state,” he added.

Previous Labor leader Merav Michaeli has been heavily criticized for not uniting with Meretz prior to the last elections in November 2022. Meretz failed to cross the electoral threshold. Labor currently holds four seats.

Golan, elected Labor leader on May 28, stirred controversy when he appeared to suggest that army reservists refuse call-up orders to help topple the government. Golan says his remarks were distorted.

Barring a collapse of the government, Israel’s next election must be held on Oct. 27, 2026.