Opposition Leaders Forge Unity Pact Ahead of Crucial Elections

Leaders of four major parties opposing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the home of opposition leader Yair Lapid in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening to coordinate their strategy for the upcoming elections on October 27. The meeting included Gadi Eisenkot of "Yashar!", Naftali Bennett of "Beiteinu", Yair Golan of "The Democrats", and Avigdor Lieberman of "Yisrael Beiteinu".

Following their discussions on "coordinating the bloc's moves," the leaders released a "principles document" outlining their agreements. The document, which did not mention Netanyahu by name, declared the upcoming elections "critical for the fate of the country." It stated a shared goal of establishing a "correction and rebuilding government, Zionist and state-oriented," despite ideological differences. The leaders pledged to work together to increase voter turnout, secure a majority, and form a government that upholds Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.

Key commitments included refraining from attacking fellow bloc parties or their leaders until the government is formed. They also agreed to establish three joint working groups within 48 hours: one to boost turnout and ensure election integrity, another to formulate core principles for the next government including equal burden sharing, a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th massacre, term limits for the prime minister, and a 100-day action plan, and a third for coordinated public relations and combating fake news.

Yair Golan, ahead of the meeting, tweeted about the "shared mission to save Israel" and the need for a "shared vision and governing alternative" to Netanyahu's government. He emphasized acting with "great responsibility" given the "real danger to democracy and security" and the need to agree on fundamental principles and work divisions.

The report also touched on recent tensions, including a private meeting between Eisenkot and Lieberman to discuss campaign strategy, with Golan expressing concern that Eisenkot might pursue a "big party campaign" that could draw votes from "The Democrats." Lieberman also conveyed to his bloc partners that Arab parties are not an option for him, suspecting Eisenkot might form a minority government with their support or abstention.

Meanwhile, Benny Gantz, leader of "Blue and White," who was not present, sent a truck to Lapid's home with the slogan "The blocs are stalling Israel."