Likud Fears Losing Right-Wing Voters to Lieberman Ahead of Elections
Israeli politics are heating up as parties prepare for the next election campaign, with a fierce debate emerging over the central issues. Opposition parties are focusing on accountability for the October 7th attacks, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aims to prioritize national security, Iran, and relations with the United States. Political commentator Matti Tuchfeld of "Maariv" reports that opposition figures like Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman are repeatedly raising questions about Netanyahu's knowledge of the October 7th threats and demanding a state commission of inquiry. They are downplaying other issues, such as the military draft for ultra-Orthodox Jews.
Netanyahu, conversely, is framing his defense by stating he received no different information than the security establishment and that defense ministers, IDF chiefs, and intelligence heads shared similar assessments of Hamas. He specifically includes Lieberman, a former defense minister, in this group. This is where Lieberman becomes a significant rival for Likud, as he operates within the right-wing camp and competes for voters who traditionally support Likud.
A senior Likud official explained that attacks on political opponents can have varied effects. Targeting a right-wing party might weaken it among its base, while attacking an opponent from the opposite bloc could strengthen their position. Lieberman presents a complex case for Likud because, while part of the opposition bloc, his voter base isn't exclusively left-wing. Therefore, the confrontation with him is seen not just as a coalition-opposition battle but also as a competition for right-wing voters who have left or might leave Likud.
Netanyahu's upcoming speech at the UN General Assembly and renewed focus on US-Israel relations are seen as opportunities to shift the public discourse back to security, foreign policy, and Iran. Likud believes that significant diplomatic and military events allow Netanyahu to re-engage with voters dissatisfied with the government's handling of October 7th, the ultra-Orthodox draft, or post-war actions. By emphasizing these themes, Netanyahu hopes to highlight his differences with rivals and potentially win back disillusioned right-wing voters.
Tuchfeld suggests Netanyahu's UN address, while aimed at a global audience, also targets an Israeli domestic audience, drawing a parallel to how Donald Trump used international platforms to speak to his base. The battle over setting the election agenda, whether it focuses on October 7th accountability or security and foreign policy, could be as crucial as the final vote count.
