Israel Election: Key Alliance Battle Heats Up Ahead of Deadline

With less than four days until the Knesset list submission deadline for the upcoming October elections, a fierce contest is underway within the "change bloc" between Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party and Naftali Bennett's "Bechach" party. The central point of contention is which party will secure the allegiance of Chili Tropper, who co-founded "Dati Tzioni - HaMeyuladanim" with Yoaz Hendel. Both Bennett and Eisenkot are actively persuading Tropper to join their respective parties, each for their own strategic reasons.

The battle for Tropper is not solely about securing his and his associates' electoral support; it's also a behind-the-scenes image war. Eisenkot's "Yashar!" and Bennett's "Bechach," led also by Yair Lapid, are vying for momentum and to be perceived as the driving force behind unifying the bloc. Tropper's party is seen as potentially "burning" votes for the anti-Netanyahu camp if it runs independently.

Tropper faces several options beyond aligning with Eisenkot or Bennett. He could run alone, aiming to cross the electoral threshold, potentially as a coordinated move to prevent other smaller parties from passing or to block Ofer Winter. Another possibility involves uniting with Benny Gantz and Ayelet Shaked to form a "third bloc" advocating for a unity government.

Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Tropper is seriously considering running independently or joining either Eisenkot or Bennett. He is reportedly committed to bringing his team, including Shira Shapira (mother of fallen hero Aner Shapira) and Elissef Peretz, with him, aiming to "tell a broader story" than a solo candidacy. While Eisenkot's list appears to offer more realistic positions for Tropper's people compared to Bennett's, where "Yesh Atid" veterans recently had to withdraw due to space constraints, Bennett and Tropper share a long-standing friendship.

Bennett is willing to offer generous spots, though fewer than Eisenkot, but Tropper is reportedly less enthusiastic about Bennett's alliance with Lapid. The current assessment suggests Tropper will ultimately join either Eisenkot or Bennett, rather than run alone or pursue other alliances, though a final decision is pending. Tropper's choice is expected to significantly impact the "change bloc's" lineup and the ongoing struggle for its leadership, as Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman continue to challenge Eisenkot's perceived lead.