Meretz faction members are still working to digest the hard realities of the beating the left-wing party took at the polls; with party leader MK Chaim Oron announcing he does not intend to fight to maintain his position.

Oron stated that when the party meets in an official capacity, and there is a formal vote, he will abide by the decision, even if called upon to step down. He explains he understands and is also pained by the outcome of the election, and will adhere to any formal decision reached by the party.

Party leaders are already seeking to learn the lessons of the election, including a sharp change in direction and to focus on social and environmental issues rather than on a political agenda.

Veteran Meretz MK Zahava Gal-On, who was not reelected to Knesset, is also battling for a backdoor entrance back into the Israeli parliament, which has been her home since 1999.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)