The Spirit of Zionism political alliance announced Sunday that it was breaking up, just five days ahead of the deadline to submit Knesset candidates to the election committee.
The alliance, headed by Yamina leader Ayelet Shaked and Derekh Eretz chief Yoaz Hendel, split after the latter said he could not support joining a narrow coalition led by opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, should one be formed following the November 1 elections.
Recent polling showed the alliance was short of the number of Knesset seats needed to pass the electoral threshold.
It was formed with an intent to attract right-wing voters who did not support Netanyahu or his partnership with the far-right.
"I intend to continue to lead the Spirit of Zionism, the only sane right-wing option," Hendel said. "To fight for our principles…and represent Israelis who do not want a government led by Netanyahu, with [far-right] Itamar Ben Gvir, and who seek a wide unity government," he said.
As a former close aid of the Likud leader, Hendel positioned himself in what he called the "liberal right-wing," rejecting Likud's combative stance against the legal system, which Netanyahu has promoted since his legal troubles began. Netanyahu is on trial for bribery, fraud and breach of trust - charges which he denies.
Shaked said Hendel's position to prefer an additional round of elections, should the political impasse remain after November, over the establishment of a narrow right-wing coalition was irresponsible.
"Hendel is still a captive of the anti-Netanyahu camp," Shaked said. "That hate is causing instability in the country," she said.
Neither Netanyahu nor the center-left parties which oppose him will be able to form a coalition, if polling numbers are to be believed, with 61 required Knesset seats.