Israeli Opposition Leaders Sign "Pledge of Principles" Ahead of Elections

Leaders of Israeli opposition parties convened on Saturday evening, signing a "Pledge of Principles" aimed at increasing voter turnout for their bloc and securing a majority in the upcoming Knesset elections. The agreement commits them to working together to form a government immediately after the elections.

The signatories included Gadi Eisenkot of the "Yishai" party, Naftali Bennett of "Bayit Yehudi," Avigdor Lieberman of "Yisrael Beiteinu," Yair Golan of "The Democrats," and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid. This meeting, the first since November 2025, precedes the October 27 Knesset elections and is part of a joint effort to unseat the current Netanyahu government.

The "Pledge of Principles" states that the leaders, recognizing the elections as crucial for the state's fate, share the "supreme common goal" of forming a "Zionist and institutional" government of change and rebuilding, despite ideological differences. They pledge to expand their voter base, achieve a majority, and form a government that preserves Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.

Key commitments include refraining from attacking coalition partners until a government is formed, and establishing three working groups within 48 hours. These groups will focus on increasing voter turnout and election integrity, outlining the next government's policies (including burden-sharing, an October 7 investigation committee, prime ministerial term limits, and a constitution), and coordinating public messaging against fake news.

In a related development, Gadi Eisenkot reiterated his refusal to include the United Arab List, led by Mansour Abbas, in any future government he might lead. Eisenkot outlined three prerequisites for cooperation with Haredi or Arab parties: adherence to a Jewish and democratic state, adoption of the Declaration of Independence, and mandatory service. He added a fourth condition: designating Hamas as a terrorist organization to be destroyed. Eisenkot stated that the United Arab List does not meet these criteria, particularly the stance on Hamas, and therefore will not be part of the next government.