Netanyahu Admits Losing 10 Knesset Seats, Faces Election Challenges

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently revealed in private discussions that his Likud party has lost about ten Knesset seats and he is uncertain how to regain them or what campaign strategy to adopt. He expressed doubts about favorable polls, believing the actual situation is much worse. The main concern stems from the launch of the party led by retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter, which polls at around five seats and threatens to push Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party below the electoral threshold.

Currently, Netanyahu's campaign strategy involves aligning with Smotrich and attempting to pressure Winter. However, with less than two weeks until the candidate list deadline, Netanyahu may shift pressure onto Smotrich, preparing for possible seat allocations within Likud and managing relations with Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party. Netanyahu also warned that without change, Likud risks losing the upcoming election.

This internal political maneuvering highlights the challenges Netanyahu faces in maintaining right-wing unity amid new party competition and electoral uncertainties.