Parties finalize Knesset slates before deadline as Gantz’s Blue and White runs alone despite polls

Israeli political parties finalized their Knesset slates on Tuesday ahead of the October election deadline, concluding months of negotiations. Benny Gantz's Blue and White party submitted its list independently, despite polls suggesting it may not pass the electoral threshold. The Religious Zionist Party (RZP) merged with Moshe Feiglin's Zehut party, with Bezalel Smotrich leading the combined list. Shas made significant changes, promoting Yinon Azoulay to second place and adding Lt.-Col. (Res.) Dror Amos, a military veteran, to the sixth spot, aiming to appeal to traditionalist and military-serving voters. The new Haredi Public party also submitted its list, notably including Dr. Nechumi Yaffe, the first ultra-Orthodox woman candidate for the Knesset, positioning itself as an alternative for the Haredi community. United Torah Judaism also published its list, with MK Yaakov Asher replacing MK Moshe Gafni in the top spot.