Opposition Bloc Leaders Agree to Halt Attacks Ahead of Elections

Leaders of Israel's opposition bloc, aiming to form a "correction and rebuilding" government, met at the home of opposition leader Yair Lapid in Tel Aviv and released a joint principles document. The agreement stipulates that from now until a government is formed, no member of the bloc will attack another member party or its leader. The meeting included Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman, Yair Golan, and Lapid.

The document emphasizes the critical nature of the upcoming elections for the country's fate and their shared goal of establishing a Zionist and state-oriented government, despite ideological differences. They commit to maximizing voter turnout and securing a majority to preserve Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.

Three joint working groups will be established within 48 hours: one to boost voter turnout and ensure election integrity, another to draft foundational principles for the next government including equal burden-sharing, a state inquiry into the October 7th massacre, term limits for the prime minister, and a 100-day action plan, and a third to coordinate messaging and combat fake news.

The meeting occurred amidst internal tensions. Gadi Eisenkot had previously criticized Bennett and Lieberman for not clarifying who would lead a potential government, arguing it harmed their chances of winning. He also faulted the previous "change government" for appointing Bennett as prime minister with only six seats, suggesting Lapid, who led with 17 seats, should have taken the role. Avigdor Lieberman expressed a desire to avoid repeating past mistakes where a single candidate's success did not translate into broader bloc victory, advocating for a focus on unity over individual rankings.

Yair Golan urged the bloc to prioritize saving the country from the current government over internal disputes. Notably, Benny Gantz's "Blue and White" party, which was not invited, protested outside Lapid's home with a truck displaying the slogan "The blocs are stalling Israel." Demonstrators also called for a "Jewish-Arab partnership" government.