[NEWARAB] Two of Israel's biggest left-wing parties announced a merger on Sunday, naming themselves The Democrats, in what has been described as a potentially important move in Israeli politics.Labor and Meretz signed the formation of the unified party with primaries set to decide which candidates will run for The Democrats in the next general election.
The Labor Party's Yair Golan, who was named The Democrats' secretary-general, said the formation of the left-wing party was essential given the challenges Israelis face with the rising influence of the right and far-right.
"Israel is in its most difficult time and this is the time for decisions - serious security threats, the real danger of annexing millions of Palestinians and the undermining of our delicate fabric of life - all of these require courageous steps. Our public is fighting in the streets to change the face of the country," he said, according to Haaertz.
"Today we have built a framework that will serve the public as best as possible on the way to promoting elections and replacing the most terrible government since the establishment of the state."