Israeli Parties Finalize Knesset Slates Ahead of 2026 Elections
With the deadline for submitting Knesset candidate lists passed, the political landscape for the 2026 Israeli elections has solidified, revealing key strategies and potential risks for major blocs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party finalized its list late, foregoing reserved spots for potential allies to avoid alienating existing members. Notable additions include military hero Elisha Medan and Ran Gvili, mother of a soldier killed and captured in Gaza. Attempts to recruit high-profile figures like Moshe Kahlon and Yossi Cohen were unsuccessful.
On the right, Bezalel Smotrich's alliance with Moshe Feiglin strengthens his position, while Ofer Winter opted against merging with Motti Leitner's ultra-Orthodox faction. Smotrich, Winter, and Itamar Ben-Gvir are vying for an estimated 15-18 seats, with the risk that one small right-wing party could fail to cross the electoral threshold if the Likud underperforms.
Ultra-Orthodox parties also saw shifts. Shas included reserve officer Dror Amos to appeal to traditional voters, while United Torah Judaism retained veterans Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev. Meir Porush and Elyakim Stark's independent move suggests potential post-election alliances.
In the opposition bloc, Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party added Hili Tropper and Shira Shapiro but lost Yoaz Hendel to Yaron Zelekha, potentially impacting coalition formation. Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid's alliance focused on technocrats and experienced members, while Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu has pivoted from its "Russian" base to a more classic right-wing platform.
The Arab political scene saw Yoav Segalovich join Mansour Abbas's Ra'am party, while the Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad alliance mirrors past election strategies. The potential for a strong showing by Arab factions could increase the number of Knesset members outside a potential governing coalition, indirectly benefiting Netanyahu.
