Israel's political fragmentation deepens amid election campaign and security crises

Defections, merger talks, and threshold fears weaken Netanyahu's bloc

Right-wing fragmentation reshapes election map — Throughout the week, the Israeli right-wing bloc experienced significant fragmentation. MK Sharon Nir left Yisrael Beiteinu, MK Dan Illouz left Likud for Yisrael Beiteinu, and MK Tali Gottlieb defected from Likud to Otzma Yehudit, fearing Likud would not reach 19 seats and she would lose immunity. Netanyahu called for a joint run with Ben Gvir and Smotrich, but Ben Gvir rebuffed, while Smotrich pursued negotiations with Moshe Feiglin. Ofer Winter rejected a spot on a Smotrich-Feiglin slate, and polls showed Smotrich's party below threshold while Winter's Am Yisrael entered with 4 seats. Gilad Erdan withdrew his 'Ha'ichdut' party from the race, citing public desire for a clear choice on Netanyahu. Coalition discipline and judicial tensions escalate — Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana refused to comply with a High Court ruling requiring repeat elections for State Comptroller, escalating a judicial crisis. The High Court struck down the law freezing arrests of draft dodgers, while Haredi leaders backed 'Prison 1,000' project paying draft dodgers. Rabbi Yitzchak Goldknopf visited imprisoned Haredi draft dodgers, sparking criticism. Education Minister Yoav Kisch did not submit asset declarations despite seven reminders, indicating fraying coalition discipline. Shas made Haredi conscription exemption a precondition for coalition, and Ben Gvir threatened Likud over Gottlieb's transfer. Multiple security fronts strain IDF and defense budget — A senior defense official warned of a budget blockade on 15 billion shekels for IDF procurement, while heads of major defense industries warned that without a 40 billion shekel budget, ammunition production lines could close within a month. The IDF faced a delay in transferring 15 billion shekels promised for August, straining operations. Despite this, Israel signed a $3.6 billion defense deal with Greece for the 'Achilles Shield' project, including David's Sling and Barak MX systems. Operations continued: Shin Bet kidnapped Hamas internal security chief Muayen al-Arabid in Gaza, IDF forces destroyed Hezbollah weapons in Lebanon, and West Bank battalions were reinforced to 16 amid settler