Battle for first place — what Eisenkot, Bennett and Lieberman are doing

In the election race within the "change bloc," the struggle for the status of the largest party is intensifying. Gadi Eisenkot's headquarters circulated a message emphasizing victory over "Likud" rather than criticism of the right-wing bloc. Internal polls show a shift of votes from "Yesh Atid" to Eisenkot. A meeting between Bennett and Lieberman heightened mutual wariness. The bloc is concerned about weakening in the polls and the risk of a zero-sum game.

In Israel's election campaign, internal competition within the "change bloc" for the status of the largest party is growing. Gadi Eisenkot's headquarters issued a statement focusing on defeating "Likud" and Netanyahu, rather than criticizing right-wing parties. This is seen as an attempt to strengthen Eisenkot's position as the bloc's leader. According to internal research by "Yesh Atid," about 40% of their former voters now support Eisenkot. A meeting between Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman on Wednesday caused wariness in the bloc, perceived as strengthening their positions ahead of Eisenkot. Lieberman previously called the demand to automatically support the leader of the largest party a "serious mistake." The bloc is concerned about weakening in the polls: representatives warn that the fight for the same voters could become a zero-sum game. Bennett urged supporters not to despair, while MK Merav Ben-Ari called for ignoring the polls.