Likud Rethinks Strategy Amid Ofer Winter's Rising Poll Numbers

The Likud party is reassessing its electoral strategy in light of potential gains by Ofer Winter, whose rising poll numbers could shift the balance within the bloc supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the upcoming legislative elections. Sources close to the campaign indicate that Netanyahu's camp fears Winter might align with Avigdor Lieberman after the vote. However, other Likud officials dispute this, pointing to current polling data that still places Winter's party within the Netanyahu bloc.

The Likud is currently attempting to persuade Winter to withdraw his candidacy. A surplus vote-sharing agreement between the two parties is not being considered at this time, though this stance could change before the October 16 deadline for declaring such agreements to the Central Elections Committee.

Some Likud officials believe that new polls showing Winter securing six seats would complicate the party's current strategy. The Likud is particularly concerned that Winter might remain in the race without crossing the electoral threshold, potentially costing the right-wing bloc several seats.

In parallel, the Likud plans to boost voter turnout in its traditional strongholds. Campaign officials have identified polling stations where the Likud received nearly 50% of the vote in the previous election, despite an overall turnout of only about 35%. The campaign estimates that more effective mobilization of these voters could yield two to three additional seats for the Likud.

Teams will be deployed near polling stations to identify and contact sympathizers who have not yet voted. Special attention will be given to the elderly and voters with mobility issues. Likud officials express a "cautious optimism," believing that mobilizing their supporters could offset some of Winter's gains.