Israeli Politics in Flux: Key Alliances Form, Leaders Exit Ahead of Deadline

The Israeli political landscape has undergone dramatic shifts in recent days as parties finalize their Knesset slates before the upcoming election on October 27. Several prominent figures have withdrawn from the race, including Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein, who abandoned their "Unity" list, effectively ending merger talks with Benny Gantz's Blue and White party. Tali Gottlieb has moved from the Likud to a prominent second position on Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit list, strengthening his party's standing.

In a significant shake-up within the ultra-Orthodox parties, Degel HaTorah has seen the ousting of veteran lawmakers Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev, with Yaakov Asher set to lead the unified Yahadut HaTorah list. Meanwhile, Shas is maintaining a more stable internal situation. The alliance between Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid has solidified, with Bennett's faction securing a larger share of the joint "Achva" list.

Further complicating the political map, Chili Tropper is reportedly joining Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" list, securing three guaranteed spots and pushing Yoaz Hendel out of the political arena. Hendel now faces a critical decision about his political future. On the right, Bezalel Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin have united their parties, and are attempting to recruit Ofer Winter, a reserve brigadier general, to their cause. Winter, however, remains hesitant, insisting on prior legislation for a conscription law.

Otzma Yehudit, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir, has decided to run independently after merger talks with Smotrich failed. Ben-Gvir has placed Tali Gottlieb at number two on his list, and is considering including Mei Golan. The party is expected to comfortably pass the electoral threshold. Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly holding onto his final reserved spots on the Likud list until the last moment, amidst internal pressure not to sideline elected primary candidates.

Other parties like Yisrael Beiteinu, Meretz, and the Arab parties Ra'am and the Joint List are also finalizing their arrangements. Several smaller parties and independent candidates, including Professor Yaron Zelekha and Ofer Winter, are still in negotiations for potential mergers or alliances as the deadline looms.