Israeli Election Alliances Shift as Parties Forge Deals and Face Uncertainty

As Israel's election approaches, political maneuvering intensifies with parties forming alliances and facing potential dissolution. On the right flank, Bezalel Smotrich's "Religious Zionism" party and Moshe Feiglin's "Zeut" have agreed to a joint electoral list, with Feiglin placed second. This move is seen by many right-wing voters as a potential bulwark against a government formed by Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan with Mansour Abbas's support. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly coordinating efforts to consolidate the right-wing bloc, a task described as more complex than in previous elections.

Meanwhile, on the opposition side, there is significant fragmentation. Yair Lapid's "Yesh Atid" party is experiencing a substantial decline, with at least nine of its 24 lawmakers announcing their departure. Calls are increasing for Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot to unite their parties, "Bayahad" and "Yashar," respectively, to bolster their chances of becoming the largest party and potentially forming the next government. Parties like Hili Troper's "Tzionut Datit" and Yoaz Hendel's "Democratim" are also struggling, with their future electoral viability uncertain.

Further complicating the landscape, Mansour Abbas's Ra'am party has formed an alliance with former "Yesh Atid" MK Yoav Seglovich. However, this alliance has not significantly altered the political map according to recent polls. Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu has dismissed Ra'am as a potential coalition partner. On the far-right, Itamar Ben-Gvir of "Otzma Yehudit" remains firm on running independently, despite ongoing negotiations regarding the potential transfer of MK Tali Gottlieb to his party. Ofer Winter, head of "Amcha Israel," has rejected offers to join other lists, risking electoral failure and potentially aiding the opposition.

Discussions are also ongoing between Gilad Erdan's party and Benny Gantz's "National Unity" party, with former minister Ayelet Shaked reportedly involved. Despite low poll numbers even for a combined list, their potential participation and vote absorption remain a concern for both major blocs. The deadline for submitting electoral lists is fast approaching, with parties like "Degel HaTorah" facing internal dramas.