Israeli Parties Finalize Knesset Lists Amidst Last-Minute Maneuvering

As the deadline for submitting party lists to the Knesset Election Committee approaches, several major Israeli parties are still finalizing their slates. The official submission deadline is Tuesday at 10:00 PM, with a potential extension to midnight.

In the Likud party, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is delaying the announcement of reserved spots on the list, reportedly due to internal disputes over these placements. The party's tribunal had set a deadline for these decisions, but Netanyahu appears poised to wait until the last possible moment. The Likud secretariat meeting to approve these spots was postponed. Meanwhile, tech entrepreneur Oren Dobronsky, who was offered a top spot, announced he would not run.

United Torah Judaism is also experiencing significant internal shifts. Following the reported ousting of Chairman Moshe Gafni, Yaakov Asher is expected to lead the list. Uri Maklev will not be part of the list, and in Agudat Yisrael, Yisrael Eichler is anticipated to make way for Elyakim Stark.

Shas is continuing negotiations for its final list composition, with potential new candidates including Yossef Elnatov, representing the Bukharan community, and retired Lieutenant Colonel Dror Amos. Ministers Yoav Ben-Tzur and former Deputy Minister Moshe Abutbul are reportedly secure in their positions.

In the Religious Zionism party, an attempt to unite with Ofir Winter's 'Am Israel' party failed as 'Am Israel' submitted its list separately. However, a joint run with Moshe Feiglin's 'Zehut' party is proceeding, with an agreement for them to split after the elections. Feiglin is placed second, and Zehut secured three spots in the top ten.

The Joint List, uniting Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad, has not yet revealed its full composition. Jaafar Farah, initially slated for fourth place, withdrew due to sexual harassment allegations. Hadash will decide today who will fill the vacant spot, with speculation that a woman will be chosen.

Changes are also occurring within Benny Gantz's party. An expected alliance with Gilad Erdan's 'Unity' party did not materialize, as Erdan announced his withdrawal from the race. However, discussions about a potential union with Yoaz Hendel and reservists continue. MK Michael Biton announced his departure from the party, shortly before Aliza Bloch joined.