Former Meretz Leader Uzi Zeki Quits Democrats, Backs Gadi Eisenkot

Uzi Zeki, the former chairman of Meretz’s executive committee and one of the senior figures on Israel’s left, unexpectedly announced that he is leaving the Democrats, the alliance of Labor and Meretz, and shifting his full support to Yeshar!, led by retired IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. Zeki is also the partner of former minister Tamar Zandberg.

In a detailed post, Zeki said his decision followed a deep ideological change after the October 7 attacks, and his conclusion that Eisenkot is the best person to lead the country and replace Benjamin Netanyahu. He said that after 28 years of membership across Labor, Meretz and the Democrats, and after holding senior roles, he has now ended his party affiliation and conference membership.

Zeki stressed that he still respects the current left-wing leadership, writing, “I am full of appreciation for Yair Golan and the excellent Knesset members of the party,” and said he was proud of his role in the merger that is now helping secure the bloc. But he added that, over recent months, the gap between his views and those of his camp had widened, especially since October 7, and that he had often found himself disagreeing with his allies and facing harsh criticism for his positions.

He said he will vote for Yeshar! in the coming election and will “do everything I can” to help Eisenkot win. Calling for “ethical, experienced and serious leadership” after “the horrible last four years” and the October 7 disaster, Zeki described Eisenkot as the opposite of Netanyahu, “calm, cool-headed, empathetic, strategic, and above all a man who sees the good of the state at every moment.” He also said even voters from Likud want different leadership, and added, “It is time that a Mizrahi becomes prime minister” after 78 years. Zeki closed by wishing readers a good month.