Analysts Warn Right-Wing Split Could Cost Them Election Victory
Political commentator Yaakov Bardugo warns that a potential split within the right-wing bloc, particularly involving Itamar Ben-Gvir and Ofir Winter, could lead to a loss in the upcoming elections. Bardugo draws a parallel to the 2019 elections, where a similar division resulted in the loss of seven Knesset seats and ultimately contributed to the formation of the Bennett-Lapid government, which he links to the failures preceding the October 7th attacks.
Bardugo criticizes Ben-Gvir's current considerations as "childish and irresponsible," suggesting he is focused on "American polls and statements" rather than learning from past mistakes. He urges Ben-Gvir and Winter to unite with other right-wing factions, citing Bezalel Smotrich's call for unity to achieve "70 mandates."
In parallel, the article discusses internal Likud party struggles, specifically the situation surrounding Tali Gottlieb. Some suggest ending the "internal Likud political attack" by allowing her to join the Otzma Yehudit party to avoid further damage to the Likud. The article notes that while the Prime Minister's office may claim to be uninvolved, Gottlieb needs to make a decision.
The commentary also revisits the submarine affair, asserting that Benjamin Netanyahu's strategic foresight has been vindicated. The author argues that the submarines are crucial for Israel's strategic control of the seas against threats from Turkey and Iran, and that political disputes, including those involving former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, have weakened Israel's capabilities. The "Dragon" submarine has reportedly departed Germany for Israel after years of delay.
Finally, the article describes the "Titanic" of Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid party as sinking, with members reportedly leaving. Bardugo dismisses the party's platform as a "big bluff" fueled by hatred of the ultra-Orthodox and Netanyahu, suggesting its decline is inevitable now that this animosity is no longer sufficient to sustain it.
