What is "meretz"

Meretz (, lit. Vigour) is a left-wing, social-democratic,Meretz is commonly described as social-democratic political party:

• green, and ZionistMeretz is described as a Zionist political party:

• political party in Israel.

The party was originally formed in 1992 with the union of Ratz, Mapam, and Shinui and was at its peak in the 13th Knesset between 1992 and 1996, during which it held 12 seats. At the 2015 legislative elections the party won five seats.

Meretz is a secularMeretz is recognised as secular by numerous texts:

• party emphasising a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, social justice, human rights (especially for ethnic and sexual minorities), religious freedom, and environmentalism.

The party is a member of the Progressive Alliance and Socialist International, and is an observer member of the Party of European Socialists.