Netanyahu Cultivates Loyalists for Post-Election Power Plays

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is strategically building a faction of loyalists within the Likud party to secure his position, regardless of the upcoming election outcome. This move is informed by past experiences, aiming to ensure his support base is solidified whether he wins or loses.

Netanyahu's strategy involves leveraging national issues such as the justice system, Iran, conscription, and the media to re-engage disillusioned right-wing voters. By framing the opposing political bloc as a greater threat, he aims to overcome voter anger towards him, making polarization a useful tool rather than an unintended consequence.

The formation of this loyalist faction is crucial for Netanyahu's post-election plans. If he forms a government, loyalists will be beneficial. If he loses, their importance increases significantly, as they can protect him from internal party challenges that often arise after electoral defeats when his leadership is perceived as weakened.

Netanyahu's approach contrasts with the "change bloc," which has shown it can form a government based on shared opposition to him but struggles with internal cohesion and a clear leadership hierarchy. The "change bloc" faces challenges in translating electoral support into governing stability, with disagreements on issues like Haredi conscription and minority governments already surfacing.

The article also touches upon the impact of the October 7th attacks, with various political figures attempting to frame the event to their advantage. Netanyahu aims to broaden the narrative beyond the initial failure by including the subsequent war and military achievements, while his opponents seek to hold him accountable as the leader at the time of the attacks. The inclusion of individuals directly impacted by October 7th on his list is seen as a political response to claims that the event belongs solely to his opposition.