Lapid Expects More Israeli Party Mergers Ahead of Elections

Opposition leader Yair Lapid said on Monday that he expects additional political mergers in the near future as Israel prepares for elections. Lapid made the remarks at the Guidelines for Jewish-Democratic Policy conference held at the Judaism and State Policy Center of the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem.

At the same event, Yisrael Beytenu leader MK Avigdor Liberman called for a constitution. The statements come as opposition parties consider ways to reorganize ahead of the next national vote. Mergers among smaller parties have occurred in past election cycles to meet the electoral threshold and consolidate support.

Liberman's call for a constitution reflects a long-standing debate in Israel, which has operated without a single formal constitutional document since its founding. Previous attempts to draft a constitution have faced disagreements over the balance between Jewish and democratic elements.

The conference focused on guidelines for policy that aligns with both Jewish and democratic principles. Lapid's prediction of further mergers suggests opposition groups may seek to streamline their lists to improve electoral prospects.