Gantz, Shmihi and Hendel Near Joint Run in Israel's Next Election

Negotiations between Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, retired Maj. Gen. Dadi Shmihi and former Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel are in advanced stages, with a deal taking shape for them to run together in the coming election, Walla reported Wednesday. Under the emerging framework, Gantz and Shmihi would share the leadership of the new political slate, and the ballot would likely list the names “Benny Gantz” and “Dadi Shmihi,” with Gantz first.

The tentative arrangement would give each of the two main sides five slots on the Knesset list. The expected order in the party list is Gantz first, Shmihi second and Hendel third. But major disagreements remain, especially over what kind of coalition the new alliance would support after the election.

Hendel is pressing for a line that would prevent a government dependent on ultra-Orthodox or Arab parties. Shmihi, meanwhile, has said in the talks that he wants wider political flexibility, though he does not see any possibility of partnering with Arab parties. Another dispute concerns military conscription: Hendel wants a draft law that applies to all sectors without special arrangements or compromises with the ultra-Orthodox parties.

To bridge the gaps, one proposal is to pass the draft law immediately after the election and before the new government is sworn in. Since the Knesset is seated within weeks of the vote while coalition formation can take months, backers say the law could be advanced before the cabinet is formed. If the ultra-Orthodox parties accept the final framework, they could then join the coalition. People familiar with the talks say all sides are highly motivated to reach an agreement, believing a joint list could create a meaningful centrist alternative in the next election.