Israel's 2026 Election Field Takes Shape as Candidate Lists Close
As the deadline for candidate list submissions for the 2026 Israeli elections passed, 38 parties have officially entered the race, setting the stage for the upcoming political contest. Political correspondent Daphna Liel provided an in-depth analysis, party by party, detailing who made the cut, surprising placements, behind-the-scenes maneuvering, and each party's prospects for the next Knesset.
The final hours before the deadline were marked by intense activity. In the Likud party, Prime Minister Netanyahu delayed announcing his reserved spots until the last moment. In the Religious Zionism party, efforts to merge with Ofir Winter's party failed. A significant upheaval occurred within United Torah Judaism, with the ousting of Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev.
Benny Gantz's list was finalized following a series of departures. Meanwhile, Gantz's National Unity party, along with the new lists presented by Izchak Rabin and Bennett-Lapid, aim to reshape the political center. Several smaller parties remain on the fringes, hoping to surpass the electoral threshold, which could potentially alter the overall election outcome if they succeed.
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