Netanyahu Fears New Right-Wing Party More Than Others

With less than a month until the upcoming elections, which are shaping up to be among the most dramatic in Israel's history, opposition parties are emphasizing the three-year anniversary of the October 7th massacre and urging the public to oust the current government. A recent poll broadcast on Kan 11 shows a deadlock between the blocs, with each receiving 52 mandates, falling short of forming a government. However, political advisors suggest these polls may not reflect the latest data for the Likud party, which they believe could surprise.

Reports indicate Prime Minister Netanyahu had planned a significant offensive against Ofer Winter's party immediately after the holiday, aiming to pressure him into withdrawing to avoid jeopardizing the right-wing bloc, as Netanyahu doubts Winter's party will pass the electoral threshold.

Conversely, Matti Tuchfeld, head of the political desk at C14, stated on Monday that a single party is causing Netanyahu more anxiety than any other: the "Reservists-Economic" party, led by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zehlikha. The Likud has decided to ignore this party rather than attack it directly. They fear a confrontation would bolster Hendel and Zehlikha, elevating them to the status of a significant rival.

According to Likud's internal polls, the support for Hendel and Zehlikha primarily comes from right-wing voters, not the opposition. While their mandate numbers are not substantial, even a few percentage points could be crucial for the Likud in a close election.