MeretzYachad

Meretz-Yachad is a political party in Israel that emerged from the merger of two existing parties in 2019. The party was formed by merging Meretz, a left-wing party with roots in the Israeli Labor Party and the Israeli Communist Party, and Yachad, a social-democratic party that split from the Labor Party in 2012. Meretz-Yachad represents a progressive, left-wing political ideology, advocating for social justice, equality, and peace with the Palestinian people.

The party emphasizes progressive social policies, including universal healthcare, affordable housing, and strong labor rights. It also supports environmental sustainability, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. On foreign policy, Meretz-Yachad advocates for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on pre-1967 borders with mutually agreed land swaps, and opposes Israeli settlements in the West Bank. It also supports the rights of Arab citizens of Israel and promotes a more inclusive society.

Meretz-Yachad has historically been a minor party in Israeli politics, often struggling to gain significant electoral support. In the 2019 Israeli legislative elections, the merged party won 6 out of 120 seats in the Knesset, making it the fifth-largest party. Its leadership includes leaders such as Nitzan Horowitz, who served as the party’s chairperson, and Tamar Zandberg, a prominent member and former minister.

The party’s platform reflects its commitment to social democracy and progressive values, distinguishing it from both the center-right and right-wing parties that have dominated Israeli politics for decades. Despite its smaller size, Meretz-Yachad plays a role in shaping policy debates, particularly on issues related to social welfare, human rights, and peace initiatives. Its members often collaborate with other left-wing and progressive factions in the Knesset to advance its agenda.