The 1996 Meretz leadership election was held on 22 October 1996.[1] It saw the election of Yossi Sarid to succeed Shulamit Aloni as the party's leader.[2] This was the first leadership election in the party's history.[2] The election was held by a vote of Meretz' Party Council.[2] Incumbent party leader Aloni had announced her retirement after Sarid had announced his intent to challenge her for party leadership. This came amid disputes between the party's leadership.[3]