Yesh Atid files electoral slate, signaling end of Labor-Meretz unity push

Attempts to force a unification between Meretz and Labor are seemingly over as Prime Minister Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid party submits its candidate list to the Central Elections Committee, removing his ability to incentivize Labor’s leader to join with Meretz.

Lapid had offered Merav Michaeli a reserved spot in his own party’s list to incentivize a joint run, but the Labor chief has been steadfast in her desire to run an independent campaign.

Lapid has expressed concern that if either Labor or Meretz, which have both polled between four and six seats, fail to pass the four-seat threshold to enter Knesset, his chances to form a government would be further imperiled.

“Yesh Atid presented a list that will continue to work for stability,” says Minister Orna Barbivai, upon presenting the party’s slate.