Israeli Political Parties Submit Knesset Lists Ahead of Elections

Several Israeli political parties have submitted their final candidate lists to the Central Elections Committee for the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. Among the first to file were "Otzma Yehudit," led by Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and "Religious Zionism-Identity," a newly merged party including Bezalel Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin. Brigadier General (res.) Ofer Winter also submitted his independent list, "Am Israel," alongside MK Avi Maoz's "Noam" party.

Notable additions to the Likud party's list include attorney Yaakov Bardugo, a commentator on Prime Minister Netanyahu's affairs, and former Labor party figure Eli Goldschmidt, who has become a vocal right-wing supporter. The "Together" list, led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, had the word "Netanyahu" added to its official filing, leading to speculation about Bennett's future political moves.

In other news, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion held his annual meeting with community leaders and gabbaim, emphasizing the city's ongoing development. Rabbi Yaakov Shapira and Hagit Moshe also spoke at the event. The ancient "Tiferet Yisrael" synagogue in Jerusalem's Old City is set to reopen soon after an eight-year restoration.

Shin Bet Director David Barnea met with students at Yeshiva University in the United States, discussing leadership and the challenges of artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Israel's Chief Rabbi, Kalman Bar, visited the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron for prayers ahead of the High Holidays. Minister Shlomo Karhi was seen participating in a "Fathers and Daughters" event with his daughter.