New centrist alliances could decide Israel’s next election, poll suggests

With most polls showing a dead heat and no bloc reaching 61 seats without the ultra-Orthodox or Arab parties, attention is shifting to smaller lists hovering near the electoral threshold. A new special survey by pollster Dudi Hasid and KanTar, obtained by Israel Hayom, examines how possible alliances among familiar political figures could reshape the race and determine who forms the next government.

The poll tested several combinations. A partnership between former ambassador Gilad Erdan, former minister Yoaz Hendel, and reserve-duty activists would win 7 seats. A list joining Hendel, reserve representatives, MK Chili Tropper, and the Fourth Quarter movement would get 5 seats.

Another scenario, combining former prime minister Benny Gantz, reserve Brig. Gen. Dadi Shmhi, and Prof. Yaron Zelekha, would secure 6 seats. The article says the common denominator among most of these figures is an insistence on building a broad Zionist unity government.

The candidates involved also stress that they do not intend to provide Benjamin Netanyahu with the 61st vote needed to assemble a narrow right-wing coalition. In that sense, the survey presents these potential alliances as possible kingmakers in a contest still lacking a clear majority.