Zeev Elkin

Russian-speaking Israelis face a sharp decline in political representation as parties finalize their lists for the 26th Knesset. Critics point to community passivity and strategic shifts among party leaders.

The corruption trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resumes in Jerusalem following the summer recess. Judges have ordered the schedule to accelerate to five hearings per week after the upcoming holidays.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is considering reserving a spot for Hapoel Hadera captain, reserve combat soldier, and torchbearer Menashe Zalka, in a move intended to appeal to young people and Ethiopian immigrants. At the same time, ways are being examined to promote Ze'ev Elkin on the list, as well as a possible reserved spot for Avi Dichter.

Minister of Finance Ze'ev Elkin revealed in an interview with Oded Menashe that he received an offer from Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman to join his party. Elkin emphasized that he does not intend to leave Likud, even if he fails to secure a realistic spot in the primaries.

Ahead of the Likud primaries, Minister Ze'ev Elkin highlights the importance of the struggle for the Russian-speaking vote. According to him, while Eisenkot and Bennett have established dedicated headquarters for Russian speakers, Likud has not done so: "In my view, this is a mistake - there was a need to establish a headquarters for Russian speakers."

Minister Ze'ev Elkin has decided to run in the Likud national list. After New Hope chairman Gideon Sa'ar took the party's reservation, Elkin chose to waive both the second reservation and the immigrant slot, opting to compete against incumbent MKs and ministers.