Israel's "Change Bloc" Fears Likud Efforts to Poach MKs from Eisenkot's Party

A senior figure in the "Change Bloc" coalition expressed concern over the possibility of defections from Gadi Eisenkot's Yisrael Beitenu party, following reports that the Likud party has established a special team dedicated to encouraging Knesset members to switch sides after the upcoming elections. This team, comprised of Likud MKs and strategic advisors, aims to replicate past successes where members were persuaded to leave opposing factions. The "Change Bloc" official stated, "We cannot be 100% sure of the lists. Perhaps someone is hiding there whom Netanyahu will manage to sway." The Likud's alleged efforts have intensified fears within the "Change Bloc" of potential fragmentation, particularly given that Eisenkot is polling as a significant rival to Prime Minister Netanyahu.

The Likud team is reportedly employing new methods and has increased its personnel compared to previous election cycles. In the past, the Likud successfully persuaded then-new MK Amichai Chikli to leave Naftali Bennett's party and later Idit Silman, who served as coalition chairwoman. The current operation is said to involve a deep dive into the backgrounds of Eisenkot's candidates, with a particular focus on new MKs from right-wing or religious backgrounds. Information on past statements, personal circles, and influences from rabbis or other figures is being gathered to exert pressure post-election.

In response, Eisenkot's party dismissed the concerns, stating, "16 days until the elections, our partners are expected to rise to the occasion and focus on the only thing important to the people of Israel and Israel's security: replacing the evasion government and October 7th. Anything else is assistance to the continuation of Netanyahu's rule. As you know well, the only ones who should be under pressure from defectors are Netanyahu and the Likud."

Meanwhile, Moshe Redman, a Democratic candidate for the Knesset, voiced his own concerns about the composition of the "Change Bloc" lists, stating at a closed event that his goal was to achieve a strong mandate to advance their values in negotiations. He expressed dissatisfaction with the idea of figures like Matan Kahana (number 5 on Eisenkot's list) or Hili Tropper (Minister of Education) potentially holding key positions, implying a desire for different outcomes than what he has sacrificed for.

The "Change Bloc" official further identified specific candidates on Eisenkot's list as causes for concern, including Roi Folkman (number 17), who has supported the "override clause" and was involved in drafting the Nation-State Law, and Matan Kahana, who is reportedly in contact with the Kohelet Forum and supports their legislation. Past tactics used to pressure candidates have included protests at family synagogues and near their children's schools, suggesting a well-planned strategy that the Likud is now believed to be refining and escalating.