Netanyahu Expresses Concern Over Likud Losing 10 Seats Ahead of Elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has privately voiced significant concern about the Likud party's standing ahead of upcoming elections. According to a report by Kan News, Netanyahu acknowledged that Likud has lost about ten Knesset seats and admitted uncertainty about how to regain them. He remains unconvinced about any strategy that could reverse this trend and fears that without change, his party might lose the election.

Netanyahu also reportedly doubts the positive outlook shown in some polls, believing the electoral situation could be worse than presented. The party's worries intensified following the political entry of retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter, who, according to a recent Kan News poll, secured five seats, while the Religious Zionist party led by Bezalel Smotrich fell below the electoral threshold.

Within Likud, there is concern that the right-wing bloc could lose votes, prompting efforts to foster alliances and support Smotrich while applying pressure on Winter. As the deadline for candidate lists approaches, pressure may shift toward Smotrich. Netanyahu is also preparing for possible reserved spots on the Likud list and maneuvers involving Otzma Yehudit, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir.

In response, Likud dismissed the report as "fake news," asserting that the polls cited are incorrect and confidently stating that Likud under Netanyahu will win the elections.