Opposition Leaders Agree to Halt Attacks Ahead of Elections

Leaders of Israel's "Change Bloc" opposition factions met at the home of opposition leader Yair Lapid in Tel Aviv to coordinate their efforts ahead of upcoming elections. The meeting included Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman, and Yair Golan. A key agreement reached was that "from today until the government is formed, none of us will attack a partner party in the bloc or its leader."

The leaders also released a joint principles document outlining their commitment to forming a "correction and rebuilding" government. They pledged to work together to increase voter turnout, secure a majority, and establish a government that upholds Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. The document also detailed plans for three joint working groups focused on voter turnout and election integrity, outlining the principles for the next government including equal burden sharing and a state inquiry into the October 7th events, and coordinating public messaging to combat fake news.

Gadi Eisenkot, speaking to "Meet the Press," emphasized the shared goal of winning the election, stating that the meeting's purpose was to focus on victory. He contrasted the current unity with the potential for a right-wing government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, citing specific potential appointments to highlight the stakes.

The meeting occurred following recent sharp disagreements within the bloc. Eisenkot had previously criticized Bennett and Lieberman for not clarifying who would lead a potential government, arguing it harmed their chances. He also critiqued the previous "change government" where Bennett served as prime minister with only six seats, suggesting Lapid, who led with 17 seats, should have held the position.

Avigdor Lieberman had also expressed a desire for unity, stating that the focus should not be on who is first or second, but on winning together, referencing past experiences where the opposition's candidate secured votes but failed to form a government. Yair Golan, leader of the Democratic Party, urged his colleagues to avoid internal attacks, stressing the importance of saving the country from the current government.