Bennett and Lieberman Plan Post-Election Alliance to Challenge Gadi Eisenkot for PM

Ahead of the upcoming elections, Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Yachad party, and Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, are strategizing to prevent Gadi Eisenkot from easily securing the prime ministership. Despite Eisenkot leading the largest party in the opposition bloc according to polls, Bennett and Lieberman are considering a post-election merger to form a larger bloc that could surpass Eisenkot’s party in mandates, potentially enabling them to enforce a rotation agreement for the prime minister position.

Initially, Eisenkot and Bennett agreed that the prime minister would come from the largest party in the bloc. However, Bennett later argued that the most right-wing candidate should lead, and after his alliance with Yair Lapid, he suggested the most experienced candidate should become prime minister. Lieberman sees himself as the most experienced and suitable candidate to lead the right-wing bloc and become prime minister.

Meanwhile, in the so-called "third bloc," a political battle is underway over leadership. Ayelet Shaked is attempting to unite fragmented parties, but the question of who will lead remains unresolved. Benny Gantz, head of Blue and White, refuses to concede leadership, especially to Gilad Erdan, who recently announced a new party and aims to position himself as the next right-wing leader and prime minister. Erdan also refuses to associate with anyone who was part of the previous "change government," ruling out Gantz’s leadership in any alliance.

Recent negotiations between Gantz and Shaked aimed at a joint run have stalled over leadership roles. The emerging proposal suggests Gantz would head the joint list, while Shaked would have the first pick of government positions after the election, but final agreements have yet to be reached.