Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar! Party Unveils Candidate List as Political Shifts Intensify
Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar! party unveiled its 2026 candidate list in Rosh HaAyin, while Chili Tropper joined the ranks. Meanwhile, Michael Biton left Benny Gantz's Blue and White, which added Aliza Bloch.
Yashar! Unveils Candidate List for 2026 Elections
The Yashar! party, led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, officially unveiled its candidate list for the upcoming 2026 Knesset elections on Monday during a conference at the Hechal Hatarbut in Rosh HaAyin.
Addressing the attendees, Eisenkot emphasized the strategic alignment of the opposition forces to challenge the current coalition:
"We stand as an organized and well-structured camp, based on four parties with one common interest — to establish a new and good government for Israel."
Eisenkot framed the upcoming vote on October 27, 2026, as a critical turning point for the nation's future. He sharply criticized the ruling coalition's policies, particularly regarding draft exemptions and financial allocations:
"The choice this time is of the utmost importance and fateful. It will shape the lives of each and every one of us for years to come. Will we go through more years under a government that shamelessly promotes draft evasion? A government that distributes billions of shekels to those who do not serve and do not work?"
He added that certain political figures are attempting to normalize leadership based on "incitement, lies, deceit, and trampling of values," calling on his political partners to act with responsibility and offer a viable alternative to the Israeli public.
Chili Tropper Joins the Ranks
Member of Knesset Chili Tropper, chairman of the "Bayit Zioni" faction, who announced his merger with Yashar! just yesterday, also spoke at the conference. Tropper praised Eisenkot's leadership and personal integrity:
"Anyone who knows him knows that he is as straight as a ruler, possessing immense personal example. This is how he has conducted his entire life, and this is how he raised his children."
Tropper explained that the decision to unite was driven by a deep responsibility to establish a Zionist government and a demand for worthy leadership.
Political Shifts: Michael Biton Departs Blue and White
In parallel political developments, MK Michael Biton announced his departure from the Blue and White party, led by Benny Gantz. Biton shared on Facebook that he and Gantz parted ways as friends after seven years of joint public service. Biton revealed he is currently exploring the possibility of establishing a new social-traditional party based on Zionist and democratic values, with only hours remaining before the official registration of party lists closes.
Despite Blue and White consistently failing to pass the electoral threshold in recent polls, Gantz announced the joining of Aliza Bloch to his list. Bloch, who previously joined Gilad Erdan's "Unity" party before his retirement, was welcomed by Gantz, who stated that her proven ability to bridge different sectors of Israeli society would strengthen the Blue and White list.
