Yesh Atid Leader Meridor Signals Talks with Likud Defectors Ahead of Elections

Saul Meridor, a senior figure in the Yesh Atid party, indicated in an interview with Walla that his party is engaging in discussions with Knesset members from the Netanyahu bloc, including Likud, about potential defections to the opposition bloc after the upcoming elections. Meridor stated that they aim to form a government with more than 61 seats and are in talks with many politicians across party lines who are disillusioned with the current situation. He emphasized that all partners will support Gadi Eisenkot as prime minister if Yesh Atid leads the opposition bloc.

Meridor made clear that his party will not rely on Mansour Abbas or his party to form a government, rejecting both external support and abstention from Abbas due to fundamental disagreements over recognition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, the Declaration of Independence, and military conscription. He also dismissed Itamar Ben-Gvir for what he described as racist behavior, while awaiting Bezalel Smotrich to adhere to the principles of the Declaration of Independence.

Regarding Likud, Meridor criticized the party as a shadow of its former self, no longer a national or liberal movement, though he did not rule out Likud joining an Eisenkot-led government if it changes course to support conscription of Haredim and uphold the judicial system. Meridor, who served nearly 20 years at the Finance Ministry, sharply criticized former Finance Minister Israel Katz, accusing him of deliberately blocking budget approvals to oust Netanyahu.

He also dismissed "deep state" allegations as attempts to evade responsibility for political decisions. On government structure, Meridor said an Eisenkot-led administration would reduce the number of ministries by about ten, eliminating portfolios such as Strategic Affairs, Diaspora, Jerusalem, Heritage, Social Equality, and Negev and Galilee, leaving 20 to 25 ministries in total.