Israel Completes Registration of Candidates for the Knesset

Israel’s election campaign has entered its decisive stage. By early September, the main political forces had completed their candidate lists for the October 27 elections, and the central question is whether the opposition can deprive Benjamin Netanyahu of a majority in the Knesset.

The situation is particularly sensitive for the head of government, since security has for many years been one of the main sources of his political influence. The opposition is building its campaign around accusations that Netanyahu bears responsibility for the failure of October 7, 2023, and around his refusal to allow an independent investigation, while the prime minister is responding with his familiar rhetoric about the need to counter external threats, linking the outcome of the election to the ongoing fighting in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.

Eisenkot Gains Ground

Gadi Eisenkot was among the last party leaders to present a candidate list. His party, «Yashar! With Eisenkot» nominated 40 candidates. The former chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces took first place, while former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen was placed second.

In recent months, Yashar has become the largest opposition party and, according to polls, has virtually drawn level with Likud. Both political forces can expect roughly 23–25 seats. The composition of the list reflects Eisenkot’s attempt to broaden his electoral base as much as possible. The candidates include former Minister of Strategic Planning Orit Farkash-Hacohen, former Minister of Religious Services Matan Kahana, former Intelligence Minister Elazar Stern, and reserve Major General Kamil Abu Rukun, who previously served as Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories.

The list also includes Inbar Harush Giti, who headed the Defense Ministry’s efforts to recruit and integrate ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military, as well as Ukraine-born Alex Rif, founder of the nonprofit One Million Lobby, which addresses issues affecting Russian-speaking immigrants. Rif has repeatedly taken a public anti-Russian position on the conflict in Ukraine.

Three of the six leading candidates previously belonged to Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party and left it following Eisenkot. Gantz’s political force now risks failing to cross the electoral threshold, meaning that some of its supporters may move to Yashar.........

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