The Battle for Disillusioned Right-Wing Voters: Small Parties Trying to Reshape the Map

A month before the deadline for submitting party lists, new small parties are vying for votes from disillusioned right-wing voters. Hendel and Tropper launched 'Beit Tzioni', Ardan and Edelstein intend to run independently, talks between Gantz and Shamchi are stalled, and Winter signals a possible entry into the race. Netanyahu fears wasted votes on the right, while the change bloc watches the electoral threshold with concern.

A month before the deadline for submitting Knesset lists, new small parties are vying for votes from disillusioned right-wing voters. Yoaz Hendel and Hili Tropper launched 'Beit Tzioni – The Reservists' at a conference in Jerusalem, aiming to attract liberal religious Zionists and reservists. Tropper took a dig at Ben Gvir over his TikTok activity, and the party demands a meaningful draft law for Haredim. Polls show it passing the electoral threshold with four or five seats, but Tropper may join Eisenkot or Bennett if it doesn't. Gilad Ardan and Yuli Edelstein, former Likud members, intend to run alone until the end, presenting principles like equality in burden and a broad government that won't rely on the extremes. They assess that Netanyahu is at the end of his political career. Benny Gantz is negotiating with Dedi Shamchi on a merger, but talks are stalled over leadership. Shamchi considers joining other forces, even Likud. Blue and White MKs are sitting on the fence. Ofer Winter signals the establishment of a new party, which could hurt Smotrich and Ben Gvir. Netanyahu fears wasted votes on the right and tries to recruit figures like Ron Dermer and Gabi Ashkenazi, who refused.