Israeli Political Bloc Faces Internal Divisions Ahead of Elections

The "Change Bloc," a coalition of parties opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is heading into the upcoming elections without a clear hierarchy or agreed-upon leadership. Key figures like Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Avigdor Lieberman, and Yair Golan each command distinct voter bases but must prove they can unite to form a government.

While the "Only Not Netanyahu" sentiment was sufficient to form the previous Bennett-Lapid government, its fragility demonstrated the difficulty of sustaining a coalition where nearly every partner holds the power to collapse it. The current bloc faces unresolved issues regarding the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men and the formation of a minority government, alongside existing personal tensions.

Eisenkot has indicated he would not leave the current government in power solely due to a lack of a 61-seat Zionist majority, suggesting a government could be formed without relying on Arab parties' support. However, Lieberman has drawn a red line, refusing to participate in such a minority government. Bennett, while avoiding direct confrontation, is seen as attempting to appeal to voters by positioning himself as capable of forming a government under any scenario.

Eisenkot needs to demonstrate the bloc's ability to transition power without immediate internal conflict over leadership. Bennett must show his experience benefits the partnership rather than solely advancing his own claim to lead. Lieberman's influence will be measured by his ability to open or close coalition pathways, proving his red lines do not preemptively block government formation. Lapid will need to prove he can be a senior partner even if not the primary leader. Each leader will eventually need to compromise on their claims to lead the bloc, a challenge Netanyahu has rarely faced within his own coalition.