Israeli Parties Finalize Knesset Lists Amid Shifting Alliances
As the deadline for submitting Knesset lists for the 2026 elections approaches, Israeli political parties have finalized their slates, revealing key alliances and potential challenges. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party waited until the last moment to finalize its list, foregoing opportunities to merge with smaller allied parties that risk falling below the electoral threshold. Notable attempts to recruit high-profile figures like Moshe Kahlon and Yossi Cohen failed, though the list includes military figure Elisha Medan and Raanan Goel's mother, who was killed and abducted in Gaza.
On the right flank, Bezalel Smotrich has formed an alliance with Moshe Feiglin, strengthening his position. Ofer Winter, however, did not join forces with Motti Leitner's ultra-Orthodox faction. Smotrich, Winter, and Itamar Ben-Gvir are currently vying for an estimated 15-18 seats, with the potential for one small right-wing party to be excluded from the Knesset if Likud's performance dips and doesn't transfer votes to its partners.
Ultra-Orthodox parties have also made strategic moves. Shas has placed reserve officer Dror Amos in the sixth position to appeal to traditional voters. In United Torah Judaism, veterans Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev are included, while Meir Porush and Elyakim Stark's independent actions suggest a willingness for post-election alliances.
In the opposition bloc, Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party has added Hili Tropper and Shira Shapira but failed to secure Yoaz Hendel, who joined Yaron Zelicha. This loss of potential votes could complicate coalition formation. Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid's alliance has formed its list relying on experienced members rather than external stars.
A significant shift is seen in Avigdor Lieberman's "Yisrael Beiteinu" party, which has moved away from its "Russian" voter base towards a more classic Likud-style right-wing platform. Rafi Ben-Shit now holds the second spot. Yair Golan's "Democrats" list has maintained its primary results.
Among Arab parties, the inclusion of Yoav Segalovich in Mansour Abbas's Ra'am list is a notable surprise. The joint list of Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad follows previous election mechanics. The potential for a strong showing by Arab factions could increase the number of Knesset members not aligned with a potential opposition government, indirectly benefiting Netanyahu.
