Coalition Chair Warns Right-Wing Parties Against Splitting Vote

Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz issued a stark warning on Sunday, urging right-wing parties to form technical alliances to prevent vote wastage and the potential return of the left to power. Katz described the current political landscape within the right as "bizarre and abnormal," expressing concern that a fragmented approach could lead to the election of figures like Gadi Eisenkot, alongside Arab parties, Avigdor Lieberman, and Yair Golan.

Katz specifically criticized Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir, stating that if Ben-Gvir maintains his current stance, he will be responsible for establishing a left-wing government, likening him to the "new Merav Michaeli of the right." He argued that any gains Ben-Gvir might achieve would be meaningless if the right wing loses control of the government, emphasizing the need for "national responsibility" and a team-oriented approach rather than individual ambition.

He drew parallels to the 1992 elections, where a split on the right allegedly led to a left-wing government and the Oslo Accords. Katz also referenced the 2019 elections, where left-wing parties failed to unite, contributing to the right's victory, and suggested a similar outcome could now occur in reverse.

Katz also addressed the potential impact of Ofer Winter's new party, questioning Winter's delay in endorsing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and warning that Winter's party could also siphon votes, as its electoral success is not guaranteed.

Katz indicated that Prime Minister Netanyahu had anticipated the need for such alliances, explaining the controversial allocation of reserved spots on the Likud list as a measure to prepare for this scenario and ensure the right-wing bloc's unity.