Full Breakdown
People of Israel Party Runs Solo in Lead-up to October 2026 Israeli Election
9/7/2026, 8:12:21 PM
Independent Slate Submission
Brig-Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter, chairman of the People of Israel party, submitted the party’s first 18-candidate list to the Central Elections Committee on September 7, 2026, the legal deadline for all parties. The list places Arab-Israeli activist Yoseph Haddad in the second slot, journalist Netaeli Shem Tom third, Eran Ben-Ari fourth, and former Jerusalem deputy mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum fifth. By filing independently, the party closed the door on a merger with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionist Party (RZP).
Background and Merger Negotiations
Prior to the filing, Smotrich had urged Winter to join an alliance that also included Zehut leader Moshe Feiglin. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been urging small right-wing parties to consolidate to avoid falling below the electoral threshold. Winter’s refusal therefore ran counter to both the RZP’s overtures and Netanyahu’s broader push for a unified right-wing bloc.
Official Statements & Responses
The party also rejected any “intimidation” from rivals.
RZP labeled Winter’s solo run an “irresponsible gamble” and indicated it would consider adding other figures to its slate instead of pursuing a partnership.
Data and Outlook
Recent polls place the People of Israel party near the electoral threshold, projecting roughly four to five Knesset seats, which would likely secure the top four candidates listed. The party’s rapid rise—launched only two weeks before the filing—has been highlighted as a notable development in the right-wing landscape.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The People of Israel party was launched only two weeks ago and has already become a significant player on the political map,” — Ofer Winter
