Israeli Parties Finalize Election Deals Amid Shifting Alliances

As Israel's 26th Knesset elections approach, political parties are finalizing "surplus vote" agreements, designed to prevent wasted ballots and maximize seat allocation. These pacts are crucial for consolidating power and ensuring representation.

In the "Change Bloc," two key agreements have been reached. Naftali Bennett's "Bayit Yehudi" party has signed a surplus deal with Avigdor Lieberman's "Yisrael Beiteinu." Simultaneously, Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar" party and Yair Golan's "HaDemocratim" have also formed a surplus agreement.

Within Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc, the Likud party and the Religious Zionism party have agreed to a surplus deal. Shas and United Torah Judaism are expected to finalize their own agreement.

A significant point of contention remains regarding Itamar Ben-Gvir's "Otzma Yehudit" party. Ben-Gvir is reportedly considering surplus agreements with Ofer Winter's "Am Yisrael," Avi Maoz's "Noam L'Yisrael," or Moti Lightner's "HaChareidi HaKlali." The decision is pending.

In another bloc, "HaMiluimnikim" and "HaMiflaga HaKalkalit" are running on a joint list led by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelekha. Benny Gantz and his "Blue and White" party are expected to decide whether to enter into a surplus agreement with them.

Among Arab parties, Hadash-Ta'al and Balad, running under the "Joint List" banner, are anticipated to sign a surplus agreement with Ra'am, led by Mansour Abbas. This move aims to prevent vote loss within the Arab political sector.

The landscape of these electoral alliances is becoming clearer, with major blocs solidifying their positions while key decisions, particularly concerning Ben-Gvir and Gantz, are still pending.