Right-wing fragmentation and coalition math ahead of October vote

Gantz calls for a broad Zionist coalition excluding extremists as Liberman publishes a five-step formula to oust Netanyahu.

Right-wing fragmentation and coalition math ahead of October vote — Blue and White Party leader Benny Gantz told The Jerusalem Post that the next Israeli government must be a broad Zionist coalition excluding extremists, explicitly naming Itamar Ben-Gvir.[^1] The interview comes as Avigdor Liberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, publishes an opinion column presenting a five-step formula to topple the Netanyahu government, arguing that if overall voter turnout reaches 76% in the upcoming elections, the goal of replacing the October 7 government will be achieved.[^2] Political commentator Ronen Tzor warned on 103FM that parties and political figures who do not reduce their egos may find themselves outside the political arena.[^3] The warning reflects a structural dilemma: the Israeli Right is fractured into multiple small parties, and with Israel's electoral threshold at 3.25%, this fragmentation risks right-wing votes disappearing from the Knesset.[^4] In the last elections, Yesh Atid achieved 24 seats but sat in the opposition, illustrating that seat count alone does not determine coalition power. Prof. Guy Hochman analyzed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent moves within the Likud party, noting that under threat, leaders tend to prefer loyalists over competent individuals, even at the cost of harming the organization.[^5] This internal calculus may explain why, despite public calls for unity, the deadline for submitting lists is September 7, and the pressure on parties to reach alliances is expected to increase. The question remains whether the Right can overcome its fragmentation before the October 27 elections. Coalition fissures deepen over funds, conscription, and internal discipline — MK Meir Porush of Agudat Yisrael warned Thursday that the Haredi public would use its "immense consumer power" if sanctions on draft evaders continue. "The judicial system decided to starve the Haredi children of Israel," he said at the Tevuna for Economics conference, citing 51 billion shekels in annual Haredi consumption and data showing 41% of Haredi households have cut back on basic food purchases.[^1] The threat targets major companies, though Porush did not na