Israeli Parties Finalize Knesset Lists Amidst Political Maneuvering

As the deadline for submitting party lists to the Central Elections Committee for the 26th Knesset approaches, several parties have finalized their slates, revealing internal shifts and strategic decisions. The "Yashar" party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, has submitted its full list, solidifying its independent path after Hili Tropper's departure from a joint run with Yoaz Hendel. Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett, having both submitted their lists, have ruled out any possibility of uniting before the elections. Meanwhile, Ofer Winter, despite pressure to merge with other right-wing factions, has also submitted his "Am Israel" party list to run alone.

Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionism party criticized Winter's decision, suggesting it benefits left-wing parties. Winter responded by emphasizing the public's desire for new leadership, distinct from those associated with the events leading to October 7th. In a significant shift within United Torah Judaism, Rabbi Israel Eichler will head the "Machzikei Hadat" movement, with Rabbi Aelikim Stark representing the movement in the Knesset. This follows Rabbi Dov Lando's decision to remove Knesset members Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev from the Degel HaTorah party for a "refresh" of its Knesset members, with MK Yaakov Asher expected to lead the party.

Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir has also submitted his party's list, notably including his chief of staff, Adv. Hananel Dofman, and party activist Tzachi Eliyahu, who has faced scrutiny for controversial social media posts, including a tattoo of the banned Jewish terrorist organization "Kach" and an offer of free accommodation to a reservist who vandalized a Yasser Arafat monument.

The Likud party is facing internal disputes regarding the placement of "reserved" spots on its list. The party's tribunal ruled that the proposed list of reserved candidates should be given to secretariat members by 9 PM, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had not yet released the list by the deadline. The party's legal advisor is now required to explain why a secret ballot without signature collection will not be held. Businessman Oren Dubronsky, initially slated for a top reserved spot by Netanyahu, announced he would not run for Knesset due to his dual American-Israeli citizenship, though the possibility of him serving as a professional minister remains open.

Recent polling indicates a shift in the political landscape. The "Yashar" party leads with 25 mandates, while the Likud party has weakened to 21 mandates. Naftali Bennett's "Achva" party is at 13 mandates, and Yair Golan's "HaDemokratim" is at 11. Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu has 8 mandates, and United Torah Judaism, now led by Yaakov Asher, also holds 8. The Joint List has 7 mandates, Shas has 7, Religious Zionism and Identity have 6, Ra'am has 4, and Am Israel has 4.