The call by Democratic Party Chairman Yair Golan for the establishment of a unified party of the center-left bloc drew angry reactions and exchanges of blows in the opposition.
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During the Berl Katznelson Foundation's "Democratic Israel Will Win" conference held today (Thursday), Golan called for "abandoning the old political game" and uniting all opposition parties into one party before the elections.
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Golan mentioned Yesh Atid, the state camp, Yisrael Beiteinu, the Democrats and Bennett as elements that "stand on the same side" - and added: "But within this, there must be another internal unity: the Democrats, Yesh Atid and the state camp - we must all go under the stretcher together. We must unite before the elections and establish the largest party within the bloc, a party that will be the alternative that will lead the next government, that will determine the path of Israel.".
In response to these words, those around Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid attacked: "The time has come for Yair Golan to stop helping Netanyahu with harmful statements. He knows that he is harming his chances of winning the elections.".
Lapid added: "He was shown polls that prove that such a union only reduces the bloc and returns voters to Netanyahu. It is not clear why he insists on turning himself into the right's greatest asset - just for headlines.".
Golan's entourage rejected the claims: "It's time for us to stop chasing polls and start forging a moral and ideological backbone. We must stop with the old politics - it hasn't won a single election. Enough with the fear, and together we will win.".
He said, "Merav Michaeli also received counseling based on surveys - and we all saw how it ended.".
