Israeli Parties Rush to Finalize Election Lists Amid Last-Minute Drama

As the deadline for submitting party lists for the upcoming elections approaches, several major Israeli parties are scrambling to finalize their slates, with last-minute changes and negotiations dominating the political landscape.

The Likud party, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is reportedly delaying the announcement of its "reserved" list candidates, a decision that has led to the postponement of key party meetings. Netanyahu appears to be waiting until the last possible moment to reveal these appointments, facing difficulties in finding suitable candidates.

In the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) party United Torah Judaism, significant shifts are occurring. The current chairman, Moshe Gafni, was unexpectedly replaced by MK Yaakov Asher, and MK Uri Maklev will also not be on the list. Veteran MK Yisrael Eichler is making way for Elyakim Stark, a prominent figure in the Belz Hasidic dynasty.

Shas, another Haredi party, is seeing new faces on its list, including Joseph Elnatanov, representing the Bukharan community, and retired Lt. Col. Dror Amos. However, some current Knesset members, like Minister Yoav Ben-Tzur and former Deputy Minister Moshe Abutbul, are reportedly concerned about their positions and have been seeking assurances from party leadership.

The Joint List, an alliance of Arab-majority parties, is also facing internal turmoil. Jafar Farah, who was slated to be number four, withdrew due to allegations of sexual harassment. The party's secretariat is expected to decide on a replacement, with speculation that a woman will fill the vacant spot.

Other parties are also navigating last-minute developments. The Religious Zionism party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, is hoping a technical alliance with Moshe Feiglin's Zehut party will help it overcome the electoral threshold. Meanwhile, Benny Gantz's National Unity party, also polling below the threshold, is reportedly exploring potential mergers with other factions, despite some members announcing their departure and others joining.