The New Right, National Union, and Habayit Hayehudi will vie in the March 2 elections under the existing Yamina ticket, again excluding far-right Otzma Yehudit party, which will run independently. PM Netanyahu reportedly instrumental in ensuring joint parliamentary bid.
MK Gadi Yevarkan, among the harshest critics of PM Netanyahu's policies toward Israelis of Ethiopian descent, switches sides and secures 20th spot on Likud candidate list, just hours before filing deadline for the March 2 election.
Ruth Westheimer, who was rescued on the Kindertransport and fought with the Haganah in the War of Independence, has maintained a lifelong commitment to the Jewish people and Israel.
After splitting with Habayit Hayehudi, National Union inked merger with the New Right. New ticket to see parties "on equal footing," remain open to future alliances with the Right.
Kulanu party leader plans to retire from politics. He will remain in office until a successor is chosen, something that is not expected to happen before April, his spokesman says.
The prime minister had hoped for a delay until after Israel's March 2 general election. Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein: Debating the issue at this time would be a grave mistake.
Parties announce merger in a bid to augment Left's electoral appeal, avoid losing votes within the bloc. New slate gives Labor-Gesher six of the first 11 spots in the new list, Meretz will have five.
Poll dashes hope of ending political stalemate, showing Blue and White and Likud falling short of governing majority in the March 2 election. This makes it increasingly likely that Israelis will be asked to go to the polls for the fourth time since April 2019.
“Blue and Right will serve as the centrist alternative,” leader Benny Gantz declares after meeting with leaders of Labor-Gesher and the Democratic Union.
Nearly all political leaders in Israel from left to right exhibit unity concerning national security, especially when it comes to Iran, which is viewed as an existential threat to the Jewish state.
