Meretz council to vote on continued leadership of Gal-On

Meretz's governing council will meet at the Tel Aviv Fairgrounds on Sunday to vote on a proposal that could lead to the departure of party chairwoman Zehava Gal-On. Initiated by a group of Meretz activists led by Dr. Avi Ofer, the proposal would advance the next Meretz leadership primary from January 2019 to February 2018. The proposal is a compromise from what Ofer's group initially presented: Holding the election on October 26, when Meretz will elect a new council. Despite the compromise, Gal-On said she would view the proposal's passage as a vote to topple her and that she would have no choice but to “reach conclusions” about her continued leadership of the party. “The proposal is not a compromise, but an expression of no-confidence in me,” Gal-On wrote to council members. “Come to the meeting and send a message to our party members and voters that Meretz is still their political home.” Sources close to Gal-On blamed the proposal on her party rival, MK Ilan Gilon, but Gilon said he would speak at the meeting against the proposal and bring a different proposition to a vote. Gilon's proposal would be to have the new council set a date for the race. But Gal-On rejected that offer, as well, saying she was elected to a four-year term in January 2015. “The convention is a waste of time,” Gilon told The Jerusalem Post. “Zehava is a fitting leader. She does not need to leave and has not been asked to leave.” Gal-On is in favor of initiating open primaries in which any Israel citizen can vote for the Meretz leader and Knesset slate. The council has voted against the idea twice.

Meretz council to vote on continued leadership of Gal-On

Gal-On said would view the proposal’s passage as a vote to topple her and that she would have no choice but to “reach conclusions” about her continued leadership of the party.

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Meretz council to vote on continued leadership of Gal-On

Gal-On said would view the proposal’s passage as a vote to topple her and that she would have no choice but to “reach conclusions” about her continued leadership of the party.

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