Likud MK Warns Right-Wing Factions Risking Election Loss

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana of the Likud party stated that Ofer Winter's new right-wing party poses a significant threat to the broader right-wing bloc in upcoming elections. Ohana argued on 103FM radio that Winter's party might not pass the electoral threshold, potentially wasting votes that could otherwise go to parties supporting Benjamin Netanyahu. He drew a parallel to the 2015 elections, where polls underestimated the Likud's support, suggesting that current predictions might also be misleading.

Ohana urged Winter to withdraw from the race, asserting that his candidacy endangers the right's chances of forming a government. He recalled that even established right-wing figures like Ayelet Shaked and Naftali Bennett failed to cross the threshold in the past, questioning Winter's ability to do so. Ohana mentioned that he had previously called for Winter to unite with other factions, but the deadline for such mergers has passed.

Furthermore, Ohana addressed reports claiming that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a warning from the UAE president before the October 7th attack. Ohana dismissed these reports as "fake news" and "an absolute lie," attributing their timing to political motives aimed at preventing Netanyahu's re-election. He suggested that Mohammed Dahlan, who seeks to succeed Mahmoud Abbas, is behind the leak, aiming to benefit from Netanyahu's defeat.

Ohana cited statements from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, who also reportedly called the story fake. He emphasized the lack of any official documentation for such a high-level conversation between heads of state, placing the burden of proof on those reporting the claim. Ohana expressed confidence that the Israeli public would not be swayed by these allegations, especially so close to an election.