Netanyahu and Smotrich Sign Surplus Vote Agreement Amidst Political Maneuvering

The Likud and the Religious Zionism parties announced Tuesday they have signed a surplus vote agreement. Initial understandings between the two parties were reported in early September, but the formal signing was repeatedly postponed. Political circles speculated that the delay was due to Likud's desire to keep options open, partly because of the potential rise of Ofer Winter's "Am Yisrael" party. Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir faced a dilemma: either sign a surplus vote agreement with Winter's party or run without one. Surplus vote agreements can be signed up to 11 days before elections. If Winter's party fails to cross the electoral threshold, any agreement with him would be void. The parties led by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelekha also offered Winter a surplus vote agreement, which he did not answer. Ben-Gvir's dilemma is heightened as Likud simultaneously intensifies its campaign against Ofer Winter's "Am Yisrael" party. Likud is directing significant resources on social media towards potential "Am Yisrael" voters, using targeted advertising and videos featuring the party's candidates, including past statements, with the aim of reducing their support and preventing them from crossing the electoral threshold.