Netanyahu Strategy Aims to Benefit From Right-Wing Party Splits, Analyst Says

Political commentator Amit Segal believes that ongoing negotiations between far-right politicians Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir are effectively over. Segal suggests this is part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy to portray Ben-Gvir as unwilling to unite factions, thereby strengthening Netanyahu's position at Ben-Gvir's expense. This comes despite polling data indicating a joint list would be numerically more advantageous for both parties.

In contrast, serious negotiations are reportedly underway between Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin. Feiglin is estimated to command a loyal voter base of approximately two Knesset seats, a significant bloc that could be crucial for Smotrich to cross the electoral threshold. Political sources note Feiglin's support could be key for Smotrich's success.

Regarding former IDF General Ofer Winter, sources close to the Prime Minister's office anticipate no decision on his political future until party lists are finalized. Consequently, a potential alliance between Winter and either Smotrich or Netanyahu before the deadline is considered unlikely. The political system is expected to wait until the final weeks before the election to assess Winter's prospects in public opinion polls.