With the commencement of Operation Cast Lead in Gaza, most of Israel's political parties said they would suspend campaigning and events for the February Knesset elections. Defense Minister and Labor head Ehud Barak said that he needed to be able to concentrate on the Gaza operation. In a statement, the Likud said it was suspending its new campaign, "Livni – the job is too hard for you," appearing on billboards around the country. Radio ads that were supposed to begin Sunday have been suspended, and the billboards already up will be taken down.

Speaking to reporters, Kadima election committee head Dalia Itzik said that "the political establishment acted irresponsibly when it dragged Israel into unnecessary elections during a period of economic and security crises."