Israeli Opposition Considers Potential Merger Between Gadi Eizenkot and Bennett-Lapid Parties

The Israeli opposition bloc known as the Change Camp is actively exploring the possibility of a merger between Gadi Eizenkot's party and the Yachdav (Together) party led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. This potential alliance aims to secure the status of the largest party in the upcoming elections and create a lead that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would struggle to overcome. The merger could also diminish Avigdor Lieberman's leverage to demand the premiership with his expected ten seats.

The idea is being tested daily through polls to assess whether the joint list would increase the number of seats. Supporters argue that a unified list could reach around 37 seats, making it difficult for Netanyahu to form a coalition even with right-wing allies like Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit and Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party. However, there is concern within the bloc about the potential downsides, recalling the previous Bennett-Lapid alliance that led to a decline in their poll numbers. Some fear that including Lapid or other figures might cause Eizenkot to lose votes.

Currently, the likelihood of the merger happening remains low, but the option continues to be evaluated regularly. In a recent interview, Bennett emphasized Eizenkot's expected significant role in the next government, stating they would work together despite occasional disagreements to improve Israel, regardless of their specific roles.