Israel election filing begins as parties submit slates

Israel's Central Elections Committee began accepting party lists for the next Knesset on Monday. Beyachad, led by former prime minister Naftali Bennett, was the first to submit its slate, requesting the letter 'B' for its ballot slip. Eisenkot’s Yashar! party also submitted its candidate slate, requesting the letters “Derech,” stating, “In the face of polarization, irresponsibility and a loss of direction, we are offering Israel a straight path.” The Pirate Party also submitted its list. Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich indicated he would now consider strengthening his party's slate after a potential merger with Ofer Winter's party did not materialize. The submission process for candidate lists and requested ballot letters will continue until midnight on Tuesday, with all submissions subject to legal review and approval.