Netanyahu Pushes for Right-Wing Unity Ahead of Elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is actively working to unite several right-wing parties to prevent them from failing to cross the electoral threshold in the upcoming elections. Despite initial refusals, Netanyahu is attempting to broker a merger between Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party, and Itamar Ben-Gvir, chairman of Otzma Yehudit.

As part of his efforts, Netanyahu has reportedly offered a "tempting proposal": if Smotrich and Ben-Gvir unite their parties, representatives from their joint list would be placed on the Likud party's slate. However, Ben-Gvir has "adamantly refused" to discuss the matter at this time. Commentator Yaakov Bardugo is reportedly assisting in these unification talks.

Netanyahu is also addressing the potential candidacy of Ofer Winter, who recently established the 'Amcha Israel' party. The Prime Minister is concerned that Winter's party may not pass the electoral threshold. According to reports, Netanyahu met privately with Winter and offered him two reserved spots on the Likud list in exchange for him withdrawing from the race. Winter, like Ben-Gvir, has also rejected this offer.

Meanwhile, a different union is expected to materialize soon: a merger between Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party. Negotiations between these two are reportedly accelerating.