Israeli Politics Heats Up as Parties Vie for Key Lawmaker Ahead of Election Deadline

With only two days remaining until the deadline for party list submissions, a fierce political battle is unfolding within the "Change Bloc" as Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett vie for the allegiance of Knesset Member Chili Tropper. Reports indicate a significant rapprochement between Tropper and Eisenkot, leading to speculation that if Tropper decides to join forces, it will be with Eisenkot's party. This alliance could potentially secure realistic spots on the list for Shira Shapira and Elisaf Peretz, though it might leave their current partner Yoaz Hendel behind. Such an agreement would not be a technical bloc, preventing Tropper from splitting the faction after the elections.

However, Elisaf Peretz, from Tropper's current faction, is reportedly hesitant to join due to strong opposition to sitting in a government reliant on non-Zionist parties or abstentions from the Islamist party Ra'am. Tropper is also reportedly considering other options, including running independently or forming alliances with Benny Gantz and Ayelet Shaked, though these are considered less likely scenarios.

In response to the political maneuvering, Tropper and Hendel released a joint statement emphasizing their over 20-year friendship and shared history in establishing "Beit Tzioni-HaMiluimnikim" (Zionist Reservists' Home), asserting that "even someone looking very hard won't find remnants of bad blood." The competition for Tropper highlights a broader struggle within the bloc between Bennett and Eisenkot over leadership, with the "Together" party and Avigdor Lieberman still reportedly struggling to fully accept Eisenkot's leadership.