Political Experts Criticize Opposition "Change Bloc" Meeting Ahead of Elections

Political experts have sharply criticized a meeting held by leaders of the "Change Bloc" (Gush HaShinui) opposition parties, just one month before the official start of the 2026 elections. Constitutional and administrative law expert Guy Bussi and strategic advisor Ronen Tzur spoke on 103fm about the internal power struggles and dynamics within the bloc.

Bussi expressed skepticism about the bloc's strategy, suggesting that a small segment of "soft right" voters is undecided between candidates like Benny Gantz and Naftali Bennett. He claimed Bennett believes he can become prime minister, citing his experience and convincing Avigdor Lieberman of this possibility. Bussi predicted that Bennett and Lieberman would propose a rotation agreement to Gantz, questioning if Gantz would accept such a deal.

Bussi further lambasted the opposition leaders' conduct and a document signed at the meeting, stating, "Sometimes it seems to me that whoever manages them could manage a kiosk." He argued that the bloc is missing opportunities to appeal to "soft right" and traditional right-wing voters. "In the last month, you need to be with a knife between your teeth," Bussi said, calling the signed document "nothing" and predicting that the leaders' actions would force them to fight each other. He warned that their current approach would allow Prime Minister Netanyahu to remain in office for several more terms.

Ronen Tzur echoed the disappointment, emphasizing that while the meeting and photo opportunity were significant, the bloc failed to generate momentum with elections just a month away. Tzur stated he would have preferred a press conference and a joint platform from the bloc. He believes they missed a "huge opportunity" to discuss critical issues such as security, Netanyahu's alleged warnings, a state commission of inquiry, education, transportation, and the cost of living. Instead, Tzur lamented, they produced a "cute piece of paper" that would soon be forgotten by the public and disappear from the agenda.