Current sectionIsrael NewsIsrael Elections 2026Analysis The Democrats appeal to a small but highly mobilized liberal constituency fighting for a future in Israel. Meanwhile, fears that Gadi Eisenkot's party would erode its support are fading as he distances himself from left-wing votersShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeThe Democrats' primary election night event, Tel Aviv, Monday. Credit: Itai RonThe Democrats' primary election night event, Tel Aviv, Monday. Credit: Itai Ron02:03 PM • July 21 2026 IDTThe slate chosen in the Democrats' primary on Monday proved that it is Israel's official protest party. Call it the Kaplan party, to use the jargon of Israel's national conversation and reality. Once, the Labor Party was divided between doves and hawks, while Meretz, which was also absorbed into the Democrats, was divided between those prioritizing the anti-occupation fight and the socialists. Today, there is almost no trace of these disputes.Gaby Lasky, who for years leveraged her legal training to defend human rights in the occupied territories, attained a high spot on the slate due to the legal defense she offered to protest detainees. Defense Minister Israel Katz gave Omri Ronen, one of the prominent activists of Brothers and Sisters in Arms, a gift on the occasion of the primary, when he ordered on Sunday Ronen's dismissal from reserve duty. The Democrats' primary election night event, Tel Aviv, Monday. Credit: Itai RonThe Democrats' primary election night event, Tel Aviv, Monday. Credit: Itai RonProminent protest activists like Moshe Radman, Moran Zer Katzenstein and Nava Rozilio took the place of occupation opponents. Meanwhile, previous contenders who became protest activists in recent years, like Yaya Fink, did much better this time around.The party's incumbent lawmakers, who enjoy widespread approval for their Knesset work, are associated more than any other public official with the protest movement and demonstrations. They were led by Naama Lazimi and Gilad Kariv. Thus, the October 7 government is responsible not only for upending life in Israel, but also for the revitalized face of the left and its image. The very fact that Yair Golan, the hero of October 7, who previously failed in Meretz, is the leader of the left-wing party, is another chapter in the chain of distortions created by the government.The Democrats' slate occupies a small niche within the broader Israeli public. But the massive enlistment to the party ahead of the primary demonstrates that it is very committed. The liberal public feels, quite rightly, that it is in an existential war, or more precisely, a rearguard action for the option of a future in this place.The Democrats' primary election night event, Tel Aviv, Monday. Credit: Itai RonThe Democrats' primary election night event, Tel Aviv, Monday. Credit: Itai RonThis slate should not struggle to reach at least 10 seats. The party's fear that Gadi Eisenkot running alone would erode its support has faded. For one, the situation has changed. Signs are strengthening that Eisenkot does not desire a union with Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, and that he intends to cross the finish line alone. The first to differentiate himself from the Democrats and their supporters is Eisenkot himself, who shied away from any call for initiating a move toward unity. He never indicated that he aspired to lead this group of voters (which actually wanted him).Haaretz Elections Podcast‘What if there aren't free and fair elections in Israel in October? What are we going to do?’Haaretz Elections Podcast‘What if there aren't free and fair elections in Israel in October? What are we going to do?’total-- : --time0:00In fact, one of Eisenkot's distinct campaign lines was a disavowal of this group. He was likely responding to the clear rightward shift in the Israeli public and to the alienation many feel toward the hardcore of the protest and the protesters, even if they don't support the government. Eisenkot was very careful not to be painted with Kaplan's colors, and so far, at least according to the polls, it seems this strategy is working for him.Yashar party's leader Gadi Eisenkot in June. Credit: Ilan AssayagYashar party's leader Gadi Eisenkot in June. Credit: Ilan AssayagDespite this distancing, there is no doubt that the Democrats will be an important, even critical, link in a government of change, should one be formed. The Democrats would probably demand the Interior Ministry, the Education Ministry and perhaps also the Justice Ministry. And odds are they will receive them. Since the opening shot of the elections, Golan and the Democrats have been careful to play as a team within the bloc. They have been careful not to rock the political boat, while the hustle and bustle has transpired to their right, in the center, in the battle between Eisenkot and Bennett, backed by Lapid.However, before rushing to count their chickens before the eggs hatch, only one "minor" task remains: defeating Benjamin Netanyahu and diverting from the path of disaster.In the NewsTrump Meets Lebanese President in First White House Visit by Leader Since 2009The Netanyahu Family Knows How Yoni Died. 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