Israel's political system is already in campaign mode ahead of a general election that must be held by late October, even though no date has been set. Former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have announced they will run together as a centrist bloc, aiming to present a viable alternative to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing and ultra-Orthodox allies. Their alliance is likely to trigger further realignments as politicians reposition themselves in response to shifting opinion polls.

Smaller parties are facing uncertainty, including Benny Gantz's Blue and White, which appears to be losing support. Key figures such as former military chief Gadi Eisenkot are weighing whether to join larger alliances or run independently. However, building blocs based on polling carries risks, as public opinion may shift once an election date is set, and ideologically mixed alliances can weaken political clarity and voter trust.

A major variable is Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial and his unusual request for a presidential pardon, reportedly backed by the president of the United States. Any plea deal could force him out of politics and dramatically reshape the electoral landscape, though he may instead choose to fight on, turning the election into a referendum on his leadership.

For the opposition, unseating Netanyahu will require more than broad dissatisfaction. Bennett and Lapid must articulate a coherent vision, particularly on divisive issues such as relations with the Palestinians. Their reluctance to include Israeli Arab parties in a future coalition may further complicate their path to a parliamentary majority, making the coming election one of the most consequential in Israel's history.