As political parties in Israel continue to jockey for position ahead of upcoming elections, tensions within the opposition bloc are growing, with leaders expressing concern about internal competition potentially benefiting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party.

Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman and National Unity chief Benny Gantz have shown reluctance toward publicly aligning with Gadi Eisenkot, the former Israel Defense Forces chief and head of the Yashar party, fearing that such a move could alienate voters and cost them parliamentary seats. According to sources within the opposition, right-wing voters who are undecided between Lieberman and other opposition factions may revert to supporting Netanyahu’s Likud if they perceive a weaker chance of success from the rival candidates.

A senior opposition official cautioned against framing the campaign around which party will emerge as the largest within the bloc, noting that recent emphasis on internal rivalry has resulted in losses of five to six seats in polling. The official called for a united front targeting Likud voters rather than competing amongst themselves.

Eisenkot’s team acknowledges the need for cooperation but offers an alternative perspective on the messaging around leading the bloc. Eisenkot argues that his calls to rally around becoming the largest party are aimed primarily at pressuring Netanyahu’s coalition, which currently includes several small parties at risk of failing to cross the electoral threshold. He points to the precarious standing of parties such as Ofer Winter’s Amcha Yisrael and the Hendel-Zelekha Reservists slate, which could fragment Netanyahu’s base.

Eisenkot suggests that if these right-wing satellite parties under Netanyahu fail to secure enough votes to enter the Knesset, the opposition bloc could gain enough seats—potentially exceeding 60—to form a governing coalition. Polling data cited by Eisenkot reportedly indicates that voters of smaller parties tend to consolidate their support in a close race, strengthening the opposition’s overall position.

While Eisenkot and Golan, another opposition figure, are comfortable with a joint photo opportunity following their meetings, Lieberman and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett remain hesitant to be publicly associated with Golan—a reservist general known for risking his life during the October 7, 2023, attacks. This reluctance has drawn commentary in political circles but remains unresolved.

On the opposite side of the political spectrum, Netanyahu faces challenges in maintaining cohesion within his bloc. His influence over allied parties has weakened compared to previous elections, and his main legislative focus remains advancing exemptions from military service, a contentious issue among his supporters and critics alike.

Tensions have also surfaced within United Torah Judaism (UTJ), where Degel Hatorah rabbis recently removed Moshe Gafni from leadership due to perceived alignment with Netanyahu.

A significant concern for Netanyahu is the emergence of Ofer Winter’s Amcha Yisrael party. Winter’s refusal to adhere strictly to Netanyahu’s directives has frustrated the prime minister, who believes Winter may have forged ties with opposition factions. Netanyahu reportedly views Winter as a serious threat to the right-wing bloc’s unity and to his own prospects of securing a parliamentary majority.

In private discussions with other right-wing leaders such as Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, Netanyahu has expressed apprehensions that Winter could claim six to seven Knesset seats. While such a result might theoretically lift the right-wing bloc to the 61 seats needed to form a government, no credible polls currently support this projection. Nonetheless, Netanyahu fears that if Winter’s party gains that influence, it could come with demands for significant cabinet positions, including the defense ministry.

Following these talks, Ben-Gvir publicly asserted his intention to seek the defense portfolio in the next government. This move would break with tradition, as the role has typically been held by the head of the Shin Bet security agency, highlighting ongoing contestation within the right-wing camp over leadership and ministerial appointments.