Israeli Politicians Shift Alliances Amid Election Uncertainty and New Party Formations

As Israel approaches its upcoming elections, political dynamics are rapidly shifting with many politicians changing party affiliations and new parties emerging. Hundreds of thousands of voters remain undecided, partly due to disenchantment with established parties and the proliferation of new lists, many featuring familiar faces. This fluid environment is marked by politicians seeking better chances to secure Knesset seats, sometimes at the expense of long-standing alliances.

Notably, MK Hili Tropper left Blue and White, which is struggling to pass the electoral threshold, to form a new party with Yoaz Hendel. Polls suggest their new party could surpass the four-mandate threshold and survive the elections, though Tropper's public image has suffered. Other MKs are similarly distancing themselves from their former parties, including members of Yesh Atid, who face uncertain prospects if they do not find new political homes. Yoav Segalovich plans to establish an Arab-Jewish party with Mansour Abbas, reflecting a strategic alliance rather than ideological alignment.

Several new parties have registered, including "Raising the Flag for the People of Israel, Torah of Israel, and Land of Israel," primarily founded by settlers, and "Bereshit Working for a Jewish and Democratic Israel," based in Mazkeret Batya. Another party, "A Place for All - The Party of Life," focuses on addressing the climate crisis through social justice principles.

On the center-left, the newly formed "Yashar" party led by Gadi Eisenkot is gaining popularity, rivaling Netanyahu in some polls. However, it remains unclear who will fill the party's candidate slots. Meanwhile, the Likud faces internal challenges with many new contenders competing for limited spots. Despite comparisons to the decline of Mapai, Likud's leadership, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, remains confident. Katz, seen as a potential successor to Netanyahu, recently praised government and military achievements at a Likud conference, emphasizing settlement expansion plans and mocking opposition efforts to undermine the government’s record.

The political landscape is expected to consolidate as the October 27 election date nears, with many fringe parties likely to disappear along with thousands of votes. Analysts caution against prematurely declaring the end of Likud and Netanyahu’s dominance, especially if the party rejuvenates its ranks with younger, grassroots-connected candidates from the post-October 7 generation.