Election deadline looms as Israeli parties scramble to finalize Knesset candidate lists
The deadline for submitting party lists for Israel's 2026 Knesset election is approaching, with several major parties still undecided on their candidates.
The filing deadline for Israel’s 2026 parliamentary election is set for Tuesday night, with the possibility of an extension to midnight by the Central Elections Committee chair. Six major parties have yet to submit their slates. Likud, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, has delayed naming the candidates for the party-leader’s reserved spots, pushing back internal meetings and still searching for suitable picks.
United Torah Judaism saw longtime chairman Moshe Gafni removed and Yaakov Asher installed, while Agudat Yisrael will replace Yisrael Eichler with Belz leader Elyakim Stark. Shas convened its Council of Torah Sages to consider newcomers such as Yosef Elnatanov and former Lt. Col. Dror Amos, though incumbent ministers appear safe. The Joint List must fill the vacancy left by Jaafar Farah’s withdrawal over harassment allegations, likely with a female candidate.
The Religious Zionist Party, after a failed merger with Amcha Israel, has formed a technical electoral pact with Zehut, giving Moshe Feiglin the No. 2 slot. Blue and White, unable to ally with Unity, is dealing with Michael Biton’s exit and Aliza Bloch’s entry, while talks continue with Yoaz Hendel’s reservists movement.
