Economist Shaul Meridor, former director-general at Israel’s Energy Ministry and head of the Budget Division, joined Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar! Party, pledging to help lead a deep reform in Israel.
Jerusalem-born economist Shaul Meridor joined Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar! Party, it announced on Tuesday afternoon.
Meridor “brings with him extensive professional experience of over two decades in the decision-making centers of the State of Israel,” Yashar! stated.
Meridor previously served as the Energy Ministry’s director-general and head of the Budget Division.
He stepped down from the budget role in 2020.
Since leaving public service, Meridor has served as Chief Financial Officer for the hi-tech company Lighttricks.
Yashar! Party leader Gadi Eisenkot (center) and other party members welcome Shaul Meridor (R) to their ranks, April 28, 2026. (credit: Yashar! Party)
“I always knew I would return to serve the public. After the last few years and especially since October 7, I realized that the time to sit in the stands is over,” Meridor said.
“Israel now needs a deep reform, which is important for me to take part in and contribute to,” he added.
“I decided to join Gadi Eisenkot – a leader with a moral backbone, smart, a cool-headed strategist who knows how to analyze problems in depth,” he continued.
“Gadi is what Israel needs today. In values, courage, the ability to make decisions, and especially in dedication to Israel. The task before us is clear: to restore the country, inspire hope, and build a leadership that is as good as its people,” he said.
“Shaul Meridor’s joining the party is great news for anyone who believes that Israel needs professional, responsible and state-oriented leadership,” Eisenkot said.
“Shaul is a senior economist and Israeli patriot, with extensive experience in public service, who is deeply familiar with the failures that have been built into the Israeli economy and has stood up for years against attempts to harm it,” he added.
This is a developing story.