Liberman's party changes its face: a shift that will reshape the right flank

The closure of electoral lists ahead of the 2026 Knesset elections has set the political landscape. An analytical review by Sofia Ron-Moria for Maariv describes two main blocs: the Netanyahu bloc and the opposition bloc. It notes the transformation of the Yisrael Beiteinu party under Avigdor Liberman, which has shifted from a 'Russian' agenda to the niche of the classic right-wing Likud. Rafi Ben-Shtrit took the second spot on the list.

The closure of electoral lists has finalized the balance of power ahead of the 2026 Knesset elections. The political field is divided into two major blocs, with small parties maneuvering between them. This is reported by Sofia Ron-Moria for Maariv. In Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc, Likud did not use seat reservations to unite with other parties. Attempts to attract prominent candidates failed. Bezalel Smotrich secured an alliance with Moshe Feiglin. The ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and Yahadut HaTorah also presented their lists. In the opposition bloc, Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party attracted Hili Tropper and Shira Shapira but failed to reach an agreement with Yoaz Hendel. The alliance of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid was formed without external stars. Avigdor Liberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party underwent a transformation, shifting from a purely 'Russian' agenda to the niche of the classic right-wing Likud of past years. Rafi Ben-Shtrit took the second spot. Among Arab parties, a surprise was the appearance of Yoav Segalovich on the Ra'am list.