Israeli Center-Left Parties Form Joint Teams for Upcoming Election

Four center-left parties have announced the formation of three joint working teams to enhance cooperation ahead of the upcoming election, scheduled in 28 days. This move follows a meeting between the parties' leaders last Saturday night at the home of opposition leader Yair Lapid.

The parties, identified as the "Change Bloc" or "Correction Bloc," include The Democrats, Yesh! with Gadi Eisenkot, Yamina led by Naftali Bennett, and Yisrael Beiteinu. In a joint statement, they declared their intention to prepare for victory and establish a "Zionist and state-oriented government" to "return Israel to the right track" after years of internal division.

The first team will focus on increasing voter turnout, election day preparations, and ensuring election integrity. The second team will draft the foundational principles and a 100-day action plan for the next government, addressing issues such as equal burden-sharing, establishing a state inquiry commission, limiting prime ministerial terms, and advancing a constitution for Israel. The third team will handle "media coordination and the fight against disinformation and smear campaigns."

The teams have already begun their work. The joint statement emphasized the leaders' deep commitment to working together for victory and forming the next government. The leaders agreed not to attack each other during the election campaign as part of their coordination efforts. The initial meeting included Naftali Bennett, Gadi Eisenkot, Avigdor Lieberman, Yair Golan, and Yair Lapid, who signed a joint principles document outlining their shared goal of replacing the current government despite ideological differences.