National Religious Party and Meimad Hold Talks Regarding Possible Merger

Leaders of the two Religious Zionist parties, the National Religious Party (NRP) and Meimad, have begun talks to discuss a possible future merger. Meimad is currently the only remaining partner of Labor in the One Israel party. Meimad's future participation in the party, however, is in question as a number of Labor party leaders favor the dissolution of One Israel in light of the recent departure of David Levy's Gesher Party. Although Meimad leaders are still supportive of Prime Minister Barak's peace efforts, concern has been expressed over possible concessions on the status of Jerusalem. Meimad leaders also feel that some of their concerns have been ignored by One Israel.

A merger of NRP and Meimad, however, is far from certain. While Meimad has supported the Oslo process and Barak's peace initiatives, the NRP has actively opposed territorial concession. The NRP left the government coalition prior to the Prime Minister's departure for the Camp David talks. At that time, NRP leader Yitzchak Levy expressed hope that Meimad would also leave the government and join the NRP. Both parties see the need to revive the Religious Zionist movement which has lost strength in recent years.

Recent News...