Israel First and Green Leaf Parties Announce Surprise Union for Elections

In a surprising political development just four days before the deadline for party list submissions, the "Israel First" party, led by Knesset Member Sharen Haskel, and the "Green Leaf" party, headed by Nir Jupetru, announced a joint run in the upcoming Knesset elections. The merger aims to combine Haskel's party's security and economic platform with Green Leaf's long-standing advocacy for individual liberty, cannabis legalization, and medical cannabis patient rights.

A primary motivation for the union is to address the needs of hundreds of thousands of individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following three years of conflict, including soldiers and civilians dealing with physical and mental injuries. The joint list will push for full cannabis legalization, a significant reform of the medical cannabis sector, the removal of bureaucratic obstacles for patients, and the promotion of innovative research and treatments for mental health.

Knesset Member Sharen Haskel stated that the union is a natural fit and a "full circle" moment for her, having fought for legalization and individual freedoms for years. She emphasized the need for Israel to support those injured in the war, both soldiers and civilians, rather than creating difficulties for them. Haskel described the merger as uniting the "Zionist and liberal right" with the "young and free power of Green Leaf" to dismantle bureaucracy and expand personal freedoms.

Former Lieutenant Colonel Roei Danino added that the responsibility lies with those who fought and were injured, and it's time to remove barriers and provide them with the support they deserve. Nir Jupetru concluded by stating that Green Leaf has long fought for neglected patients and citizens criminalized by outdated policies, and this union with "Israel First" offers an opportunity to transform their protest into policy.