Ayelet Shaked in Talks to Join Benny Gantz's Party Ahead of Elections

Ayelet Shaked has confirmed she is in negotiations with Benny Gantz, leader of the Blue and White party, regarding a potential joint run in the upcoming elections. Shaked stated that a final decision is expected later today, signaling a possible return to the political arena after nearly four years outside the Knesset. She was last seen in politics leading the Jewish Home party in the 2022 elections, which failed to cross the electoral threshold.

The potential alliance comes at a critical juncture for Gantz, whose Blue and White party has been polling significantly below the required 3.25% threshold, hovering between 0.4% and 1.8%. Gantz has been actively seeking alliances to strengthen his party and remain politically relevant.

Earlier this week, negotiations between Gantz and Gilad Erdan collapsed, leading to Erdan's announcement that his "Unity" party would not compete in the elections. This development further narrowed Gantz's options for forming a viable electoral list.

A union between Shaked and Gantz could potentially appeal to both centrist voters and moderate right-wing supporters, aiming to capture a broader electorate.