Israeli Parties Submit Knesset Lists as Election Deadline Looms

The first day for submitting candidate lists for Israel's 26th Knesset elections, scheduled for October 27, saw major political parties file their slates with the Central Elections Committee. The submission process, which began Monday, will conclude Tuesday at 10 p.m. Significant political decisions emerged on the first day, including separate submissions by former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, effectively ending speculation of a joint run. In the right-wing bloc, former brigadier general Ofer Winter submitted his "Amcha Israel" list independently, precluding a potential union with Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party.

Bennett and Yair Lapid's "Achadut" (Unity) party, seeking the Hebrew letter 'Bet', filed its list with Bennett at the top, followed by Lapid. The list includes former minister Keren Turner and former IDF General Noam Tibon. Eisenkot's "Yashar! Im Eisenkot" party, requesting the letter 'Derech', also submitted its list separately. Its slate features former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen and former minister Matan Kahana, with Chili Tropper in sixth place.

Ofer Winter's decision to run independently with his "Amcha Israel" list, requesting the letter 'Khet', drew immediate criticism from Smotrich, who warned of jeopardizing right-wing votes. Winter responded by stating he would not be drawn into fear-mongering and that the public desires new faces in politics. "Otzma Yehudit" (Jewish Power) also submitted its list, headed by Itamar Ben-Gvir, with Tali Gottlieb, who defected from Likud, in second place. "Yisrael Beiteinu" (Israel Our Home) also filed its list, with leader Avigdor Lieberman positioning himself as a candidate for prime minister.

Tuesday is expected to be even more dramatic as the final deadline approaches. The Likud party's list submission is highly anticipated, with internal pressures regarding reserved spots. Significant changes are also expected within the ultra-Orthodox parties, "Degel HaTorah" and "Agudat Yisrael," with leadership shifts anticipated. The final map of party lists will be set after the deadline, shifting the focus to the general election campaign.