Clock ticks down as parties still scrambling over final Knesset slates

As the deadline for submitting final Knesset slates for the 2026 election approaches, several major Israeli parties are still finalizing their candidate lists. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party is grappling with internal disputes over reserved slots, with high-tech entrepreneur Oren Dobronsky declining a top-10 position. United Torah Judaism has seen a significant shake-up, with Moshe Gafni replaced by Yaakov Asher as chairman and veteran lawmaker Yisrael Eichler making way for Elyakim Stark. Shas is introducing new faces like Yosef Elnatanov and Lt. Col. (res.) Dror Amos, while some incumbents like Yoav Ben-Tzur and Moshe Abutbul faced uncertainty.

• The Joint List is seeking a replacement for Jaafar Farah, who withdrew amid sexual harassment allegations.
• The Religious Zionist Party, struggling in polls, has formed a technical alliance with Moshe Feiglin's Zehut party after Ofer Winter's Amcha Israel declined a merger.
• Benny Gantz's Blue and White party, also polling below the threshold, failed to unite with Gilad Erdan's Unity party, which has withdrawn from the election. Blue and White is now exploring an alliance with Yoaz Hendel and has seen Michael Biton leave, while Aliza Bloch has joined.