After his defeat in the Likud primaries, Minister Dan Meridor is being tapped by veteran Likudniks in the capital to consider entering the city mayoral race next year. Once considered a “Likud prince”, Meridor lost much support after defecting to Kadima and then returning to Likud when he thought it better served his waning national political career.

The son of a heralded Irgun fighter, Yaakov Meridor, Dan has taken a sharp turn left in his political leanings over the years and today, his vision of the State of Israel is a very far cry from “Both side of the Jordan”, further alienating him from the party’s old guard.

Nevertheless, there are many loyal Meridor chassidim who still feel his name is a draw and they are now consulting with the defeated minister towards persuading him to enter the capital mayoral race.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)