Israeli Politics in Flux as Leaders Realign Ahead of Elections

As Israel approaches its next elections, the political landscape is undergoing significant shifts, with new figures emerging and established leaders reassessing their positions, according to analyst Daniella Roth Avner writing for Maariv. One prominent figure, Ofer Winter, has sparked debate with his use of the October 7th tragedy in his campaign, stating "We are not closing the door to alliances, but they will only be possible with new people. Only with those not tainted by October 7th." Roth Avner criticizes the widespread exploitation of national tragedies by politicians for electoral gain, noting the pain this inflicts on victims' families.

Winter himself has been labeled a "weather vane" by Roth Avner due to his shifting stances. He initially indicated support for Benjamin Netanyahu forming a government but later declared a preference for alliances solely with "new people" untainted by the events of October 7th, effectively distancing himself from Netanyahu. This mirrors, in Roth Avner's view, Benny Gantz's past political maneuvering. Behind the scenes, reports suggest a strengthening alliance between Winter and Avigdor Lieberman, causing concern for Gadi Eisenkot, who is reportedly worried about a potential bloc involving Winter, Lieberman, and Naftali Bennett.

Meanwhile, the alliance between Bezalel Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin appears to be gaining traction in polls, while Itamar Ben-Gvir has benefited from standing alone. The article draws a parallel between Netanyahu's call for Smotrich to unite and Yair Lapid's past attempt to merge Meretz and Labor while maintaining distance. Politicians are viewing the upcoming elections as a battle between political blocs, with Netanyahu organizing the right and Eisenkot the left. However, the author emphasizes that voters ultimately choose individuals, not just party lists or blocs, a point seemingly understood by the Minister of National Security.

The article also touches upon the notable absence of Yair Lapid from the public sphere. Merav Cohen of Yesh Atid, when asked about Lapid's "disappearance," stated that while Bennett is prominent, Lapid is currently "in silence." Roth Avner finds this silence significant, as Lapid has been a constant presence in Israeli public life for 13 years. The author speculates on how Lapid will re-emerge, questioning whether he will return with his familiar anti-Netanyahu rhetoric or present a more mature, reinvented version of himself.