The Battle for the New Political Home: The Bloc Between the Blocs Nears a Decision

Less than 40 days before the submission of Knesset lists, the central political arena that may decide the elections is the bloc between the blocs. Gilad Erdan is expected to announce the establishment of a party, Ayelet Shaked is pushing for a broad move with Gantz and Shamchi, and Ofer Winter has not yet decided. A Trendzon poll reveals that 77.1% of third-bloc voters demand a unity government.

Less than 40 days before the submission of Knesset lists, the central political arena that may decide the elections is not in the Netanyahu bloc nor in the opposition bloc, but between them. This bloc has no name yet, no agreed leadership, and no certainty that all players will stay on the field, but the assumption is that only one party will survive to the end. The main players are converging on decisions: whether to join a single list or run independently. Gilad Erdan is expected to announce the establishment of a party in the coming days, and reserve Colonel Hezi Nahama will join him. Ayelet Shaked is pushing for a broader move with Benny Gantz and Dedi Shamchi, including the possibility of shared leadership without a single chairman. The big unknown is Ofer Winter, former commander of the Givati Brigade, who may take votes from Eisenkot, Bennett, and Lieberman. Winter is determined to run separately and not join Smotrich. A Trendzon poll shows that among third-bloc voters, 77.1% demand a unity government, and 17.1% would prefer additional elections.