Israeli Political Fragmentation Ahead of 2026 Elections Could Decide Government Formation
The recent departure of Knesset member Yuli Edelstein from the Likud party after 23 years has intensified speculation about the political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections. Edelstein is currently negotiating with former minister Ayelet Shaked to form a new right-wing party focused on nationalistic and religious Zionist principles, potentially including figures like David Ben-Zion and Shvut Ra'anan. They are also in talks with Gilad Erdan and Yoaz Hendel, aiming to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a government without ultra-Orthodox parties, particularly to pass the military draft law.
Edelstein tweeted that after the events of October 7, he is committed to a "true right-wing, national, and responsible" agenda, emphasizing settlement, security, free economy, judicial reform, and strengthening Jewish identity. Meanwhile, Hendel is exploring alliances with Benny Gantz and Dedi Simchi, demanding a public commitment to exclude ultra-Orthodox and Arab parties from government, though Simchi remains open to cooperation with Netanyahu.
Smaller parties remain fragmented and uncertain about their electoral strategies, with some leaders like Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eizenkot indicating they may step aside to consolidate the right-wing bloc and avoid wasted votes. Netanyahu is expected to take similar steps after Likud’s primaries conclude in August, especially considering the candidacies of Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and new right-wing entrants like Ofer Winter and former MK Moshe Feiglin.
Former Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon is also considering a political comeback after a criminal investigation against him was closed. He is weighing joining an established party with proven electoral strength and maintains close ties with Eizenkot and Gantz. Despite ongoing deliberations, some politicians may delay their decisions until closer to the election date, reflecting the fluid and fragmented nature of Israel’s political right ahead of 2026.
