Hitting back, centrist politician says votes for ex-PM's Israel Democratic would just be 'thrown in the trash' because party won't clear threshold to enter Knesset

Avi Buskila, who in the past campaigned to head the left-wing Meretz, says he will run with Israel Democratic in elections

Former foreign minister meets Labor leader Peretz for 'very positive' talks, will reportedly join a merger with Ehud Barak's new party if it materializes

Former PM and Amir Peretz promise to continue talks for joint slate; latter reportedly also seeking to team up with ex-MK Orly Levy-Abekasis

Former PM says he's looking to create electoral bloc that 'will start more to the left' than the centrist Blue and White party