"Change Bloc" opposing Netanyahu weakens – and clings to Arab parties

Recent polls show erosion in the Eisenkot camp from a peak of 59 seats to just 52-54. The decline sharpens the possibility of relying on Arab parties in the event of a political tie. In Likud, they warn of a left-wing government relying on elements that do not recognize a Jewish state, while Eisenkot attacks his political partners over an underground campaign that harms the bloc.

The election campaign in Israel is entering its final stretch, and recent polls indicate a significant erosion in the Eisenkot camp. The bloc, once called the "Change Bloc," has dropped from a peak of 59 seats to a range of just 52-54 seats. The decline in numbers sharpens the possibility that the bloc will be forced to rely on the Arab parties in the event of a political tie. Likud quickly exploited the trend and distributed explanatory videos presenting a scenario of a left-wing government relying on elements that do not recognize the State of Israel as a Jewish state. Meanwhile, Likud and right-wing parties led legal moves and demanded that the Central Elections Committee disqualify candidates who support terror. Within the bloc itself, pressures and struggles are increasing, as Eisenkot publicly attacked his political partners over an underground campaign that harms the bloc's chances. MK Ahmad Tibi did not rule out the possibility that the Arab parties would provide a safety net or external backing for a government led by Eisenkot.