Netanyahu Urges Right-Wing Unity, Pressures Ofer Winter to Join Forces

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is intensifying pressure on Ofer Winter to accept a deal proposed by the Likud party aimed at maximizing right-wing votes. Netanyahu publicly praised the "important union" between Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party and Moshe Feiglin's Zehut party, stating on social media platform X that "no vote on the right must be wasted." Smotrich responded positively to Netanyahu's call for unity.

Netanyahu had previously urged smaller parties to unite or withdraw, expressing satisfaction with the Smotrich-Feiglin merger. Reports indicate the Likud is working to dismantle the "Am Israel" party. Under the proposed plan, Winter was offered the second spot on the merged Religious Zionism-Zehut list, with an additional position for a representative from his party within the top ten. Concurrently, the proposal includes securing two of Winter's associates spots on the Likud list. Likud has identified Yosef Haddad, Winter's number two, as a candidate for their list, an offer he reportedly received even before joining Winter.

The potential agreement also includes a commitment that Winter's faction could split into an independent faction after the elections. However, Winter has so far refused the offer.