Opposition Bloc Leaders Meet, Netanyahu and Smotrich React

Leaders of the "Change Bloc," a coalition of opposition parties, convened at the home of Yair Lapid in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening. During the meeting, they formulated a document outlining principles for joint action aimed at replacing the current government and pledged to refrain from attacking one another.

Following the release of a photograph from the gathering, Religious Zionism party chairman Bezalel Smotrich reacted on Twitter, posting the image with the caption, "This is dangerous."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also responded to the meeting's photo. He shared an AI-generated image depicting the opposition leaders alongside Arab politicians Ahmed Tibi and Mansour Abbas. Netanyahu wrote, "Gantz will form a left-wing government with Lieberman, Yair Golan, Bennett, and the Arab parties. Only a large Likud will stop them."

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett expressed optimism about the meeting, stating, "Tonight I was filled with hope again. I am confident in our ability to win with 63 seats and together to fix Israel." He added that all participants understood the significance of the moment and set aside personal considerations, agreeing to full cooperation until, on, and after the elections to establish a "government of repair for Israel." Bennett concluded, "The entire Israeli public can hold their heads high today. Together we are going to victory!"