Meretz

Israel Election 2026: What does Yair Golan’s Democrats party stand for?

“If I put this ballot in the box, what government, policies, and political reality am I helping create?”

Yair Golan, chairman of The Democrats party, with party members following the announcement of the results of The Democrats party primaries ahead of the upcoming elections, in Tel Aviv, Israel, July 20, 2026.
(L-R): Yair Golan, Gilad Kariv

No. 47: Yair Golan and Gilad Kariv: Reviving Israel’s fractured Left

Yair Golan, chairman of The Democrats party, with party members following the announcement of the results of The Democrats party primaries ahead of the upcoming elections, in Tel Aviv, Israel, July 20, 2026.

Yair Golan's Democrats list for the Knesset cements Labor's shift to the far Left - opinion

Leader of the Democrats party Yair Golan leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on June 15, 2026.

Democrats Party breaks record of 75,000 members, sets date for primaries ahead of elections


Nitzan Horowitz to step down as Meretz head

The health minister's decision to not run for the Meretz chairmanship currently leaves Yair Golan as the sole candidate.

 Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz.

Yair Golan, former IDF general, says he will run for Meretz chairmanship

"I will run in order to build a proud, strong, Zionist Left, that fights for Israel's character and future," Golan said.

Yair Golan

Esawi Frej leaves Meretz ahead of elections

Frej announced that he had decided to take a break from the Knesset, but not from public life.

Regional Cooperation Minister Esawi Frej.

Zehava Galon: Still fighting for fellowship

Zehava Galon is not lacking material for her weekly column in Ha’aretz, and her regular TV appearance on Meet the Press.

 Zehava Galon, former head of the Meretz party.

Israeli coalition toes thin line, Zoabi says her future still undecided

Rebel Meretz MK Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi, whose departure from the Knesset is the key to keeping the government together, said her future is undecided.

 Meretz MK Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi voting at the Knesset on June 6, 2022

Naftali Bennett's coalition is continuing to crumble

Silman denies extortion attempt on Orbach, who is mulling toppling Bennett • Coalition loses vote on minimum wage • Former IDF chief to enter politics

 Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is seen at the Knesset in Jerusalem, on June 7, 2022.

Right-wing ministers trying to topple gov't, says Meretz MK

The comment, by MK Mossi Raz, came after coalition MKs were given unusual permission to vote as they see fit on a law that would prohibit waving a Palestinian flag on university campuses.

 Meretz MK Mossi Raz tour in the East Jerusalem neighborhood Sheikh Jarrah, on January 22, 2022.

Far-right leader Ben-Gvir excited about success in Jerusalem Post poll

A survey found that far right leader’s Otzma Yehudit would win more seats than MK Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionist Party if they ran separately.

 MK Itamar Ben-Gvir arrives to open his office in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, February 13, 2022.

Political crisis over, Rinawie Zoabi returns to government

Rebel Meretz MK Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi will once again support Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's coalition after a brief political crisis.

 Yair Lapid and Rinawie Zoabi

Israeli politics: What happens if Israel goes to elections? - poll

If Israel were to go to elections now, Meretz would be the one to carry and pay the heaviest price — not passing the election threshold.

A discussion and a vote on The vote on the Citizenship Law at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on March 10, 2022.