Israeli Party Leaders Make Final Pitches Ahead of Election

With two days remaining until the 26th Knesset elections, Israeli party leaders are intensifying their final efforts to garner public support and persuade voters to choose their respective parties.

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yamina party, is positioning his new "ruling party" as a political home for all segments of Israeli society, emphasizing unity and a return to Zionism and statehood. He pledges to be a prime minister for everyone, aiming to unite the nation and focus on Israeli interests. Eisenkot urges voters to significantly increase Yamina's mandate to prevent a prolonged period of political deadlock and ensure a change in leadership.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leading the Likud party, frames the election as a critical choice between his strong right-wing government, which he claims will confront the existential threat from Iran with President Trump's support, and a dangerous alternative led by Eisenkot, potentially involving Arab parties and figures like Yair Golan and Naftali Bennett. Netanyahu warns of a left-wing government that would retreat from Judea and Samaria, establish a Palestinian state, and potentially grant citizenship to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, leading to a "cry for generations."

Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Together party, argues for a "deep correction" following the events of October 7th, proposing a "servants' revolution" where those who do not enlist will not receive state funding. He highlights his party's experienced team, including former prime ministers and top executives, and emphasizes their readiness to govern immediately, citing past achievements in economic and social policy.

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, calls for a return to the party's roots, emphasizing the power of the democratic, Zionist public that has mobilized in recent years. He promises a government of change and repair that will restore security, rebuild trust, and renew hope, vowing to establish a state commission of inquiry, protect the justice system, and fight Palestinian and Jewish terrorism.

Other party leaders also presented their platforms: Yosef Jabareen of the Joint List stressed the necessity of replacing the Netanyahu government and advocated for a just peace solution. Itamar Ben-Gvir of Otzma Yehudit asserted his right-wing positions have been proven correct, particularly regarding security and national policy. Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu prioritized the working and serving public, advocating for universal conscription and a strong economy. Yaakov Asher of United Torah Judaism requested trust to continue serving his community and the entire country. Bezalel Smotrich of Religious Zionism highlighted his party's effectiveness in the previous term, particularly in settlement expansion and economic reforms. Arie Deri of Shas pledged to defend the Jewish identity of the state and support the weak. Mansour Abbas of Ra'am proposed a path of partnership and hope, emphasizing the need for Arab citizens to be part of the solution. Yoaz Hendel of the Reservists and Economics party called for a Zionist government without Haredi or Arab parties to break the political deadlock. Ofer Winter of Am Israel urged a new, determined right-wing leadership focused on decisive victory, not old politics.

A note in the article mentions a mix-up in the original publication where the segments of Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett were swapped.