Meretz is a left-wing political party in Israel. It was formed in 1992 under the leadership of Shulamit Aloni, following the alliance of the Ratz, Mapam, and Shinui parties. In its first parliamentary elections, Meretz was able to win 12 seats in the Knesset, making it the third largest party. It comprised part of former prime minister Yitzhak Rabin’s governing coalition.
Meretz was active in promoting Rabin’s peace negotiations with the Palestinians, an issue that remains on its platform. After losing nearly a quarter of their seats in the 1996 election, and the appointment of Yossi Sarid as party chief, Meretz regained most of its seats in 1999, welcoming the first Israeli-Arab MK into its ranks to boot. Meretz once again joined a Labor coalition, this time headed by Ehud Barak. Meretz party leaders were granted a number of important portfolios, including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
In 2003, the number of seats held by Meretz shrunk again. As a result, the party in 2005 reestablished under a new name, Meretz-Yachad, and changed its name again in 2008 after joining with Hatnua Hahadasha (New Movement) for the 2009 general elections, in which it won just three Knesset seats. The party is now officially known as New Movement-Meretz.
The Meretz political platform is described as left-wing Zionist. It calls for working towards peace with the Palestinians as outlined in the Geneva Accords, the dismantling of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the promotion and protection of human rights in the Palestinian territories and for minorities in Israel, a separation between religion and State in Israel, and protecting the environment.
The most significant contribution towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict came from former Meretz chairman Yossi Beilin. In coordination with Palestinian peace activists, Beilin drew up the Accords as a basis for peace negotiations with the Palestinians. The plan was not supported by the government. The party is currently headed by Haim Oron, who took over in 2008.
Many MKs said they were unaware of the other two candidates and thought Jerusalem District Court Judge Joseph Shapira was the only one.
by Jonathan Lis, Ophir Bar-Zohar and Ofra Edelman 1 comments
While President Shimon Peres says unity government will help Israel face challenges, Israel Labor Party leader Shelly Yacimovich calls it 'an alliance of cowards.'
by Jonathan Lis and Ophir Bar-Zohar 3 comments
Mofaz and Kadima are the big winners in the surprise move, along with the Prime Minister; on the losing side, Yair Lapid and his new political party - Yesh Atid, and the Israel Labor Party.
by Ophir Bar-Zohar 13 comments
Transportation Ministry says Tel Aviv municipality never requested to operate public buses on Shabbat, this was a gimmick of Tel Aviv mayor Ron Huldai.
by Daniel Schmil 3 comments
Many MKs said they were unaware of the other two candidates and thought Jerusalem District Court Judge Joseph Shapira was the only one.
by Jonathan Lis, Ophir Bar-Zohar and Ofra Edelman 1 comments
While President Shimon Peres says unity government will help Israel face challenges, Israel Labor Party leader Shelly Yacimovich calls it 'an alliance of cowards.'
by Jonathan Lis and Ophir Bar-Zohar 3 comments
Mofaz and Kadima are the big winners in the surprise move, along with the Prime Minister; on the losing side, Yair Lapid and his new political party - Yesh Atid, and the Israel Labor Party.
by Ophir Bar-Zohar 13 comments
Transportation Ministry says Tel Aviv municipality never requested to operate public buses on Shabbat, this was a gimmick of Tel Aviv mayor Ron Huldai.
by Daniel Schmil 3 comments
