Israeli Parties Finalize Knesset Lists Amid Political Maneuvering

With the deadline for submitting party lists to the Central Elections Committee looming, Israeli parties are finalizing their slates for the 26th Knesset. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced some of the "reserved seats" on the Likud party list, though their exact positions remain unconfirmed. Among those reportedly placed are Elisha Medan, a disabled IDF veteran and founder of the Avigail settlement; Talik Guili, mother of a fallen Border Police officer; and David Peter, a lawyer who previously represented Netanyahu. The process has been described as dramatic, with Netanyahu reportedly facing difficulties filling all reserved spots and considering an appeal against a potential secret ballot ruling.

Shas's Council of Torah Sages approved its list, with Major (Res.) Dror Amos, a veteran logistics officer and chairman of the religious council in Haifa, reportedly securing the sixth position. Other parties are also making significant additions. Benny Gantz's National Unity party has added Roy Konkol, former spokesperson for Yair Lapid, who stated his desire for a broad Zionist government. The Religious Zionism party announced the addition of retired Major General Yossi Bachar, a former commander of the Gaza Division who fought on October 7th, citing his belief in the party's commitment to security and settlement.

Several other parties have submitted their lists, including Yoaz Hendel's "HaMeyuladanim" (The Reservists), Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid's "Yachad" (Together), Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" (Straight Ahead!), Ofir Winter's "Am Yisrael" (The People of Israel), Sharen Haskel's "Yisrael T'chila" (Israel First), and others like Otzma Yehudit and HaDemokratim. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, with parties racing to finalize their compositions and Netanyahu facing internal criticism within Likud regarding the reserved seats.