Israeli Opposition Leaders Unite on "Pledge of Principles" Ahead of Elections

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

Participants included Gadi Eisenkot of the National Unity party, Naftali Bennett of the Yachad party, Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu, and Yair Lapid, who also serves as the opposition leader. This meeting, the first since November 2025, precedes the Knesset elections scheduled for October 27th and is part of a broader effort to unseat Prime Minister Netanyahu's government.

The "Pledge of Principles" states that the leaders, representing "parties of change," recognize the elections as critical for the nation's fate. Despite ideological differences, their "supreme common goal" is to establish a "Zionist and institutional" government of change and reconstruction. They pledge to "do everything in their power" to broaden their voter base, attract diverse segments of the population, achieve electoral majority, and form a government that "preserves and strengthens Israel as a Jewish and democratic state."

Key commitments within the pledge include a mutual non-aggression pact among the signatory parties and their representatives until a government is formed. They also agreed to establish three joint working groups within 48 hours. The first group will focus on boosting voter turnout and ensuring election integrity. The second will outline the future government's core policies, including burden-sharing, establishing an official inquiry into the October 7th events, defining the prime minister's term length, drafting a constitution, and creating an "excellent plan" for the government's first 100 days. The third group will serve as a unified spokesperson team to coordinate messaging, combat fake news, and counter smear campaigns.

The leaders expressed their "unity and determination to bring about change and instill hope in the State of Israel," urging all citizens who believe in the country's values and strength to vote with them to shape the future. They affirmed their full commitment to the document's text.