Netanyahu, Izencoat Race to Finalize Party Lists Before Election Deadline

With the deadline for submitting party lists looming, Israeli political leaders are in a final scramble to consolidate alliances and secure votes for the upcoming 2026 elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot have just four days to finalize their respective party slates, a critical period that has historically influenced election outcomes.

On Netanyahu's side, a key merger has occurred between Smotrich and Feigin. An alliance with Ben Gvir would have provided Netanyahu with greater stability, but Ben Gvir has adopted a more assertive stance this time. Smaller parties like Avi Maoz's Noam and the ultra-Orthodox Public Party, currently running independently, risk siphoning votes below the electoral threshold. Yaron Zelekha is also reportedly drawing votes from the right, according to a Channel 13 poll. Netanyahu's primary concern, however, is Ofer Winter. Recent polls show both the Religious Zionism-Identity party and "Am Israel" just above the electoral threshold, a precarious position Netanyahu is hesitant to gamble on. The question remains whether pressure can convince Winter to accept reserved spots rather than run independently.

On Eisenkot's side, two significant mergers have already taken place: Bennett and Lapid joined forces early on, as did the Arab parties. However, these moves have not significantly advanced the Zionist opposition's prospects of forming a coalition. Chili Tropper is expected to play a crucial role until the deadline, as many of the votes he currently commands are likely to align with Eisenkot's bloc. It is anticipated that Tropper will not risk these votes and will likely join Eisenkot or Bennett, potentially without Hendel.

Discussions for broader unity across blocs have so far yielded no agreements. Gantz and Erdan concluded their talks without consensus, leading Erdan to withdraw and "Blue and White" to declare they will run independently. Dedi Shacham, formerly allied with Gantz, is currently out of the running, possibly hoping for a last-minute spot in Likud or facing an early end to his political career. Ayelet Shaked, without a major alliance, may also be sidelined this cycle. Former Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, who considered a return, is also expected to wait for future elections unless a surprise occurs.

Netanyahu and Eisenkot have three days left in this critical race to organize their parties and ensure as many votes as possible cross the electoral threshold, a battle that could ultimately decide the entire election.