Former MK Mosi Raz Faces Dual Party Membership Probe Ahead of Democrats Primaries

Mosi Raz, a former Knesset member and candidate in the Democrats party primaries, is under scrutiny for allegedly holding membership in two political parties simultaneously, a situation prohibited by law that could jeopardize his candidacy. Raz, originally from Meretz, reportedly joined the Labor Party during the formation of the Democrats but may not have formally canceled his Meretz membership. This has raised questions about the legality of his dual affiliation and his eligibility to run in the primaries.

The issue emerged after Raz was already disqualified from running under the Meretz representation slot within the Democrats. According to party rules, Meretz candidates seeking to run under the Democrats' banner must complete a transfer form and formally end their Meretz membership. While other candidates complied, Raz and fellow candidate Avi Dabush did not, resulting in their placement on the general list rather than the Meretz representation slot. Dabush retains guaranteed representation for the rural sector.

The Democrats' appeals committee is scheduled to convene to discuss Raz and Dabush's petition to overturn this decision. Meanwhile, Meretz Secretary-General and Democrats party officials have declined to comment. Raz defended his position, stating that "there is no legal prohibition against being a member of a party that is part of an alliance with another party," emphasizing that the Democrats is a brand rather than a merger of parties.

Currently, candidates competing for the Meretz representation slot include Gabi Leski, Michal Rozin, Ali Salalha, Yariv Oppenheimer, Naor Narkis, and Aid Bdeir. The Democrats party has yet to respond publicly to the controversy.