Gantz to Lead Joint List, Shaked to Choose Government Role in Possible Third Bloc Alliance

Benny Gantz and Ayelet Shaked are negotiating a joint run in Israel's upcoming October 27 elections, with a proposed arrangement placing Gantz first on the shared list while granting Shaked the first choice of government position. The two former ministers, representing different political backgrounds, have yet to finalize the division of roles post-election, as Gantz insists on leading the list and Shaked seeks a significant government role.

This potential alliance emerges amid broader efforts within the so-called "third bloc," a centrist-right coalition, to consolidate smaller parties to surpass the electoral threshold. Partners in this bloc believe further mergers are necessary to secure enough votes and avoid fragmentation that could lead to losing representation.

Simultaneously, former Likud members Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein have announced a new party, aiming to attract voters dissatisfied with the current coalition government. Their initiative is part of a wider strategy among "unity bloc" factions, including those who previously supported the change government, to capture votes from disillusioned right-wing constituents.

With the deadline for finalizing party lists five weeks away, all involved agree that additional unifications are critical to ensure electoral viability. The negotiations between Gantz and Shaked, as well as the formation of new parties like Erdan and Edelstein's, reflect the dynamic and competitive nature of Israel's political landscape ahead of the elections.