Bennett, Eizenkot Explore Election Alliance Amid Yesh Atid's Internal Strife

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot discussed a potential joint political alliance on Saturday night, according to Israeli Channel 12. The talks reflect the intensifying competition within the opposition ahead of the upcoming elections. While communications between Bennett and Eizenkot are ongoing, the alliance idea is still under consideration and has not reached a final agreement.

Hesitation, particularly from Eizenkot's circle, stems from concerns about repeating Bennett's past political experience with Yair Lapid, which was deemed costly. With the election list submission deadline just four days away, Eizenkot's associates are pushing for a political formula that could shift the balance of power and challenge Avigdor Lieberman for leadership of the opposition bloc.

Meanwhile, the "Kachol Lavan" list is committed to contesting the elections independently, actively seeking to recruit unaffiliated political figures. This comes as the "Yesh Atid" party faces a growing crisis, with MK Michal Shir announcing her departure, becoming the eighth Knesset member to leave the party this election cycle. Prominent figures like Meir Cohen, Mickey Levy, and Karin Elharrar have also recently left, leading some politicians to describe the internal situation as a "continuous collapse."

Political estimates suggest "Yesh Atid" may secure only four to five seats, with some long-standing members no longer guaranteed prominent positions on the party's list. In a separate development, former Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon reportedly rejected an offer for a guaranteed seat in the Likud party, preferring to await the election results and subsequent political developments.