Poll Shows Potential Shake-Up in Center-Right Bloc Ahead of Elections

As Israeli parties finalize their slates for the upcoming elections, significant maneuvering is occurring within the center-right political bloc. Benny Gantz's "Blue and White" party is reportedly considering a major alliance that could place Ayelet Shaked in the second position on their list, alongside current MKs Chili Tropper and Yoaz Hendel. This potential move has caused considerable anxiety among veteran "Blue and White" lawmakers, who fear being pushed out of the top five spots.

Shaked herself is evaluating a return to politics, while Tropper is also engaged in parallel discussions with Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett. Meanwhile, Gilad Erdan and Ofer Winter are seeking their political footing. A poll conducted by Dudi Hassin for "Israel Hayom" suggests Erdan faces challenges in gaining public traction without a substantial campaign and may need an alliance to secure a Knesset seat.

Winter, however, is reportedly refusing to join forces with established politicians and is polling at only four seats. This low number, according to the report, places him in a precarious position, as a focused campaign against him could result in him failing to cross the electoral threshold.

The poll results indicate the Likud party would receive 21 seats, while Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party leads with 24. "Be'adad" is at 13 seats, and "HaDemocratim" has weakened to 9. In the religious and Haredi sector, the union of Smotrich and Feiglin garners 6 seats, Shas receives 7, United Torah Judaism 8, and Otzma Yehudit 7. Ra'am is polling at 5 seats, and the Joint List at 7. The overall right-wing bloc is strengthening to 53 seats due to these alliances and stabilizing numbers.