Israeli Parties Finalize Knesset Candidate Lists Amid Last-Minute Negotiations and Reserved Slots

With less than two weeks remaining before the Knesset candidate lists close, Israeli political parties are finalizing their rosters amid ongoing negotiations and strategic placements. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has completed the Likud primaries, securing a loyal list and reserving additional slots for potential coalition partners and key figures from academia and technology sectors. Netanyahu is also attempting to add more women to the list, including Dr. Keren Asayag, a breast cancer researcher who publicly supports him, and plans to reserve a spot for Minister Avi Dichter.

Gadi Eizenkot's new party, Yisrael, is projected by polls to secure about 24 seats, making it one of the largest factions. Eizenkot plans to announce his full list close to the deadline, with notable candidates including former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen and several new entrants. Meanwhile, the joint party of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, formed recently, faces the challenge of fitting a large number of candidates into a smaller number of realistic seats, with the top of the list already shaped around key figures like Merav Cohen and two prominent women, Keren Turner and Liran Abisher.

Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu maintains steady support around 10 seats and has recruited many candidates, especially from the liberal religious Zionist community and active reservists. The party's list is determined by a committee led by co-founder Alon Dubronski. Religious Zionist leader Bezalel Smotrich has completed his party list after primaries, including several current MKs and reserving a spot for Tzvika Mor, father of a former captive soldier. Smotrich is considering adjustments due to the emergence of Ofir Winter's "Amcha Israel" party, which appeals to the same voter base.

Other parties face critical decisions: Blue and White leader Benny Gantz is negotiating potential alliances to surpass the electoral threshold or may withdraw if chances diminish. The Ra'am party recently held primaries and is negotiating to include former Yesh Atid MK Yoav Segalovich, who could take the second spot and possibly become National Security Minister. The Joint List parties, Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad, have agreed on a joint run with a detailed seat allocation, while Ra'am runs separately.

Newcomer Ofir Winter launched his "Amcha Israel" party with a full list of ten candidates, aiming to run independently and join only a right-wing government. Other smaller parties like Beit Tzionim-Miluim and Hachdut are also struggling to secure enough support to pass the threshold, considering possible mergers. As the deadline approaches, parties continue last-minute negotiations and candidate placements, with reserved slots and strategic alliances shaping the final electoral landscape.