Netanyahu Fears 'Reservists-Economic' Party More Than Ofer Winter's

With less than a month until the elections, opposition parties are highlighting the three-year anniversary of the October 7th massacre and urging the public to oust the current government. A recent Kan 11 poll shows a deadlock between the blocs, with each receiving 52 mandates, falling short of a majority needed to form a government. However, political advisors suggest these polls may not reflect the Likud's true standing, predicting a potential surprise.

Reports indicate Prime Minister Netanyahu planned a significant offensive against Ofer Winter's party 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.

Despite this, political commentator Mati Tuchfeld of Maariv reported that Netanyahu is more concerned about the "Reservists-Economic" party, led by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Ze'likha. The Likud has decided to ignore this party rather than confront it directly, fearing that a public clash would inadvertently boost Hendel and Ze'likha's profile and legitimacy as a significant rival.

According to internal Likud polling, Hendel and Ze'likha's support primarily comes from right-wing voters, not the opposition. While their mandate count is currently low, even a few percentage points could be crucial for the Likud in a close election.