Isaac Herzog at launch of election campaign
Photo: Ido Erez
Center-left bloc considers uniting behind 'anyone but Bibi' platform
While Labor leader Herzog attempts to forge joint list for elections, other faction chiefs look to join behind anti-Netanyahu message.
From the moment Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired ministers Yair Lapid and Tzipi Livni and announced early elections, furious negotiations began on both sides of the aisle. The center-left factions have considered the option of a joint list, but for the time being settled on a united message – "anyone but Bibi."
Herzog and Meretz Chairwoman Zehava Gal-On proposed that all the parties in the bloc commit to sitting in opposition to a coalition with Netanyahu. The other faction chairs promised to consider the offer.
Starting on Tuesday evening, the center-left factions initiated advanced talks on creating what they refer to as an "alternative to Netanyahu." Labor Chairman Isaac Herzog tried to assemble the various center-left parties – Labor, Yesh Atid, Hatnua, Kadima, and Meretz – into a united front.
According to the proposal, the factions will run on separate lists but will lead with one message to the public, asking them to give their vote to whichever party they prefer – as long as the votes remain within the center-left bloc.
Lapid and Livni at the Knesset (Photo: Reuters)
The other guiding principles included in the proposal were a commitment to the peace process and social justice. Kadima Chairperson Shaul Mofaz is expected to support the proposition, while talks with Hanuta Chairwoman Livni and Yesh Atid Chairman Lapid continue.
Labor's Herzog and Cabel (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
Preliminary negotiations between the factions raised several other options, including the formulation of a single united political platform. On Wednesday morning, the faction chiefs agreed to hold elections on March 17, and the Knesset has completed the initial proceedings required to send the nation to early elections.
Later in the day, a Knesset committee unanimously approved the measure to dissolve the 19th Knesset on first reading. Yesh Atid members were not present at the debate or the vote.
Politicians on the right have also discussed both unions and divisions. Bayit Yehudi Chairman Naftali Bennett and National Union Chairman Uri Ariel met on Wednesday to discuss the upcoming elections and their continued electoral union, as reports surfaced of a possible split.
According to a statement, "the meeting occurred in a positive environment and the talks will continue in the coming days in hopes of continuing the union."
The elections are 104 days away, but the Knesset members have only a few days remaining to make an impression. During the numerous votes on dissolving the Knesset, many MKs used slogans and speeches to leave a mark on the electorate, hoping to win over their votes.
Labor MK Hilik Bar took to the podium with a drawing of Prime Minister Netanyahu head – mocking the infamous bomb graphic the Likud leader used in the United Nations. The deputy Knesset chairwoman conducting the session had security personnel remove the drawing.
Balad Chairman Jamal Zahalka also pulled a stunt during his time at the podium, switching to Arabic during his speech, as right-wing MKs voiced their protest, claiming he was using the stage to further his chances of reelection.
