Netanyahu Sees Electoral Threat in Ofer Winter's Candidacy

The Likud party's election headquarters has identified Ofer Winter's political project as a significant threat that could siphon votes from the right-wing bloc, according to a Maariv report. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting with Likud list members and campaign leaders to refine campaign messages and assess the electoral landscape. Key concerns at the meeting, which included new figures like Yaakov Bardugo and Almog Cohen, centered on potential losses within the right-wing electorate, with Winter's candidacy being a focal point.

The party headquarters warned that Winter's bid poses a substantial risk of vote fragmentation, as any votes cast for him that do not cross the electoral threshold would be lost. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana echoed this sentiment, publicly urging Winter to withdraw his candidacy to safeguard the national camp. However, a minority view within Likud suggests Winter could retain disillusioned right-wing voters and prevent Gadi Eisenkot from attracting them. Despite this, the campaign headquarters currently views Winter primarily as an electoral risk.

Netanyahu presented an optimistic outlook, citing internal statistics that indicate an advantage for Likud and the right-wing bloc. He stressed that the foundation for victory is established and the primary task is voter mobilization. Regarding future government composition, Netanyahu ruled out excluding Itamar Ben-Gvir or other current coalition partners to broaden the cabinet. "I will form a broad national government based on the parties of the current coalition," Netanyahu stated. "If others join based on our principles, that's excellent. But we will not exclude anyone from the current coalition. That is our foundation."

Netanyahu also addressed the ultra-Orthodox factions, cautioning against opposition attempts to sway them. He asserted that the left-wing is prepared to offer them any terms, emphasizing Likud's intention to maintain its strategic partnership with the Haredi parties in forming the next government.