Opposition Leaders Forge Unity Pact Ahead of October Election

Leaders of five Israeli opposition parties convened on Saturday evening, September 26, at the Tel Aviv home of Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid, signing an agreement for joint action ahead of the October 27 elections. The pact notably postpones the decision on a joint prime ministerial candidate until after the vote. Participants included Lapid, Gadi Eisenkot of Yachad, Naftali Bennett of Be-Yahad, Yair Golan of the Democrats, and Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu. The agreement, which does not mention Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outlines a shared goal of winning the election and forming a government to "restore the country and strengthen Israel as a Jewish and democratic state," despite the parties' ideological differences.

Under the terms of the agreement, the signatories commit to refraining from attacks against each other and their respective parties from the signing date until a government is formed. Each leader will focus on mobilizing their own voter base, with all five agreeing to collaborate on coalition building post-election. Three joint working groups are to be established within 48 hours: one focused on voter turnout and election day procedures, another on drafting a government program including equal burden sharing, a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 events, term limits for the prime minister, a constitution, and a 100-day plan, and a third group to coordinate public statements and counter disinformation.

Following the meeting, Bennett expressed confidence in a victory securing 63 Knesset seats, emphasizing the leaders' commitment to set aside personal considerations for pre-election, election day, and post-election cooperation. Golan had previously called for a unified platform and an alternative to the current government, acknowledging party differences but stressing they should not impede joint campaigning and governance preparation.

The agreement comes amid existing tensions within the opposition. Earlier in September, Eisenkot and Lieberman had agreed to focus on bloc expansion after exchanging accusations, and Golan reportedly feared Eisenkot's bid for the largest opposition party might siphon votes from the Democrats. Disagreements also persist regarding future coalition partners, with Lieberman signaling his exclusion of Arab parties, including Ra'am, due to concerns about forming a government with their support or abstention.

Notably absent from the meeting was Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity party. His party sent a truck with a banner stating, "Political blocs are hindering Israel," to the location of the meeting.