Israeli centre-right parties push for ‘Zionist unity’ government

In recent weeks, disgruntled nationalist politicians in Israel have launched new parties to challenge Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud and facilitate a 'Zionist unity' government with opposition factions. These groups, identifying as a 'third bloc', aim to break the political deadlock, remove ultra-Orthodox parties from their pivotal coalition roles, and pass legislation mandating military service for yeshiva students. Traditionally, Israeli politics has been split between Likud and its ultra-Orthodox allies, and the 'change bloc' of opposition parties, including Naftali Bennett’s 'Together' and Gadi Eisenkot’s 'Yashar'. The third bloc leaders hope to secure the kingmaker status previously held by ultra-Orthodox parties to form a broad coalition they claim will 'curb extremists'. Former Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel and former Blue and White MK Chili Tropper have launched 'Zionist Home – Reservists', pledging to join only a government that passes a universal conscription law. Meanwhile, former Likud ministers Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein have announced a new faction, 'Unity', aiming to attract disillusioned Likud voters. While Erdan stated it is Netanyahu’s 'right and duty' to serve as Prime Minister if elected, he insisted on a broad Zionist government that excludes ultra-Orthodox or Arab parties. Likud has accused the new party of attempting to siphon votes to a 'fake left-wing government'. Former Likud MK Sharren Haskel has also launched her own party, 'Israel First', following her resignation from the government over the exemption of ultra-Orthodox students from military service. Despite these efforts, a recent Kan public broadcaster poll indicated that neither 'Zionist Home' nor the Erdan-Edelstein faction would pass the 3.25% electoral threshold, and Blue and White would also fail to enter the Knesset. Negotiations between these groups and larger opposition parties remain complex, with disagreements over potential cooperation with Yair Golan’s Democrats or ultra-Orthodox parties. Political observers suggest these groups may lack the leverage to force major camps to abandon their existing partners, with some analysts describing the new factions as vehicles for individuals seeking to improve their standing within larger parties. The deadline for submitting candidate lists is 9 September, with final decisions on mergers expected to be delayed until the last moment.