Netanyahu Says Election Hinges on Few Votes Amidst Right-Wing Mobilization

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that Israel is currently in a political "tie" in the upcoming elections, with the outcome to be decided by a small number of votes. He made these remarks during a meeting with rabbis from the Religious Zionist movement, alongside Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Head of the Yesha Council Yisrael Gantz. Netanyahu mentioned that he had reviewed additional data that morning, which was also examined by foreign entities, reinforcing his assessment of a close race.

The meeting, initiated by Gantz and Smotrich, aimed to coordinate strategies and establish a structured campaign to boost voter turnout among the right-wing bloc. Later, a large gathering is scheduled in Jerusalem, also organized by Gantz, which Netanyahu, Smotrich, and numerous local authority heads from Judea and Samaria, along with prominent right-wing activists from across the country, are expected to attend.

Finance Minister Smotrich emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming elections, framing them as decisive for Israel's future. He contrasted the right-wing's agenda of strengthening Jewish identity and security with a hypothetical "Izankot-Lieberman-Golan government" that he claimed would evacuate settlements and establish a Palestinian terror state.

Yisrael Gantz described the joint effort as an unprecedented move to unite key figures in the current election system. He stated the objective is to mobilize hundreds of thousands of right-wing voters through public figures and to ensure a significant victory for the right-wing bloc.