At December 22, 2008, Meretz Council approved a merger with Hatnua Hahadasha (new left-wing movement).
December 22, 2008, Meretz Council approved a merger with Hatnua Hahadasha (new left-wing movement). The joint list is led by Meretz chairman Haim Oron, followed by former Meretz MK Ilan Gillon. Former Channel 10 journalist Nitzan Horowitz took the third slot on the list. The merger was approved by a large majority of the council members assembled at the Tel Aviv Fairgrounds.
Oron said that establishing a left-wing social-democratic bloc would help fill a void felt by all.
"There is no one else to take up this task," he said. "Meretz is opening up to more and new sectors and wants to get that message to the voters."