Senior Meretz MP Dismisses Segalovich Departure Threat as ‘Holiday Break’

A senior member of the left-wing Meretz party has dismissed concerns about a potential defection to the Arab parties, claiming that lawmaker Yoav Segalovich is simply on holiday. The comments come as the party faces mounting pressure both from within its ranks and in the opinion polls. Nir Shiri, a prominent Meretz MP, made the remarks during an interview on Israel’s 103FM radio station, downplaying speculation that Segalovich might join the Ra’am (United Arab List) party. “He’s currently on holiday,” Shiri said. “I don’t know what he’s going to do.” The statement suggests internal uncertainty within Meretz about the lawmaker’s intentions, even as senior figures attempt to project confidence. Meretz, which entered the Knesset as part of a joint electoral list, has struggled to maintain party unity and has seen its standing in recent polls decline significantly. Shiri used the platform to attack the government’s education policies, accusing the authorities of discrimination within the school system. His remarks highlight the party’s broader struggle to maintain relevance amid internal divisions and dropping public support.

Source: Maariv — Original article in Hebrew.