Netanyahu Weighs Truce with Ofer Vinter to Secure Right-Wing Votes

Sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are reportedly considering a "truce" with Ofer Vinter, chairman of the "Am Israel" party, aiming to de-escalate tensions and facilitate a surplus vote agreement with the Otzma Yehudit party. This strategic move, according to a Channel 13 report, is intended to prevent valuable votes within the right-wing bloc from being lost below the electoral threshold. While some of Netanyahu's advisors support the initiative due to concerns about the electoral balance, Netanyahu himself currently opposes it.

The proposed truce comes after weeks of sharp exchanges and accusations between Likud and Vinter's party. Likud insiders have previously suggested Vinter might inadvertently cause vote loss or even align with left-wing factions post-election. Channel 14 reported a meeting in the Prime Minister's office where Vinter was deemed a threat to the right-wing bloc, partly due to potential future alliances with figures like Avigdor Lieberman and Naftali Bennett.

Vinter has responded forcefully, criticizing the political leadership and Netanyahu's close circle for giving "bad advice" and being "disconnected from the ground." He accused them of relying on "fictitious polls" and trapping the right-wing in a false sense of security. Vinter warned that attacks on his party are self-inflicted wounds that harm the entire bloc's chances, detailing alleged attempts to dismantle his party, threats, and private investigators.

Likud has vehemently denied Vinter's accusations, demanding a retraction and threatening legal action for defamation. However, some senior Likud figures have cautioned against a direct confrontation with Vinter, fearing it could cost the party critical votes. Internal debates within Likud have highlighted concerns about Vinter potentially aligning with the left if he crosses the electoral threshold, or causing vote loss if he doesn't.

This situation unfolds against a backdrop of past attempts to integrate Vinter into various political frameworks before he decided to run independently. Reports indicate significant pressure was applied to Yosef Haddad, Vinter's second-ranked candidate, to defect to Likud, but he refused. Tensions have also escalated between Likud and Otzma Yehudit, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressing strong criticism of how Netanyahu's office allegedly treats him, citing foreign interference and perceived slights.

The initiative for a surplus vote agreement between Vinter and Ben-Gvir is seen as a potential measure to prevent vote wastage and secure the bloc's future. However, Netanyahu's current opposition underscores the complex dilemma facing the right-wing leadership.