Democrats Party breaks record of 75,000 members, sets date for primaries ahead of elections

Israel's left-wing Democrats Party has set July 20 for its primaries, aiming to select candidates for the upcoming general elections. The party recently surpassed a record 75,000 members, marking its highest membership since the late 1990s. This surge in membership follows the party's formation in 2024 through the merger of the Labor and Meretz parties.

The party leadership has approved the primary date, pending final confirmation from the Central Elections Committee. Over 50 candidates are expected to compete for spots on the party's Knesset list, a process described as "open and transparent democratic." The deadline for candidacy submissions is June 25, with the voter registry closing on July 13.

Democrats leader Yair Golan expressed his ambition for the party to become the "moral and leading force in the next government." He urged those seeking change to join the party. Several public figures have already announced their intention to run in the primaries, including social activist Yaya Fink, former Meretz MK Michal Rozin, and Avi Dabush, executive director of Rabbis for Human Rights.

Other notable figures preparing to run include social activist Omri Ronen, Moshe Radman, Moran Michel, Danny Elgarat, Hadas Ragolsky, Gaby Lasky, Ami Dror, Lee Hoffman, Kati Piasecki, Rotem Sivan, and Tomer Avital. General elections in Israel are scheduled to take place no later than October 27.

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will be the moral and leading force in the next government, and I call on anyone who truly wants change to join us now.