Netanyahu's Party 'Burial' of Noam Could Cost Right-Wing Votes

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu consciously decided to "bury" Avi Maoz's Noam party, a move that could cost the right-wing bloc critical votes in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. Netanyahu's office and Likud officials reportedly approached Noam's candidates, including Netaeli Shem Tov and Yosef Haddad, until the last moment before party lists were finalized, attempting to absorb them into the Likud party. These efforts to dismantle Ofer Winter's party continued until the final deadline.

Behind the scenes, the understanding was that Maoz lacks significant electoral power. Additionally, Netanyahu sought retribution for Maoz's past conduct, which was perceived as working against the coalition during the previous four years in the Knesset. The Religious Zionism party had inquired about a potential union with Maoz, but Netanyahu's camp rejected the idea, leading both Noam and Religious Zionism to submit their lists separately at the last minute.

This decision by Netanyahu to sideline Noam leaves the Netanyahu bloc entering the elections fragmented. The report suggests that Netanyahu's actions were motivated by a desire for revenge and a calculation that Maoz's party held little genuine electoral sway.