Netanyahu's Likud Primaries Signal Strategy to Energize Base

The recent Likud party primaries reveal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's electoral strategy is focused on mobilizing the party's core supporters rather than appealing to centrist voters. The selection of candidates like Yaakov Bardugo, Itzik Bonzel, David Peter, and Goldschmidt, who are closely identified with the Likud base and have a strong presence in right-wing media, indicates a deliberate effort to energize existing voters. This approach aims to increase voter turnout among Likud loyalists, particularly in areas where turnout was lower in previous elections, rather than trying to persuade undecided or opposition voters.

This strategy acknowledges the difficulty of shifting voters between Israel's polarized political blocs. Instead, Netanyahu appears to be prioritizing maximizing turnout within his own camp by fostering a sense of engagement and urgency. The chosen candidates are expected to connect with the base's sentiments and motivate them to vote.

The article also explores the Likud's potential approach to the new party led by Ofir Winter. While traditionally a party might seek to undermine rivals on its right, the calculation here is more complex. If Winter's party surpasses the electoral threshold, its votes remain within the right-wing bloc. However, if it fails, a significant number of votes could be lost. Netanyahu may be considering an electoral pact with Winter, similar to existing agreements between other right-wing and religious parties, to prevent vote wastage and potentially secure crucial mandates.

This strategic consideration suggests a shift from solely aiming to absorb smaller parties to maximizing the overall strength of the right-wing bloc. By energizing the Likud base and potentially aligning with Winter's party, Netanyahu could be aiming to consolidate the entire right-wing electorate, ensuring that even voters hesitant to support existing parties remain within the bloc's sphere of influence.