Netanyahu Courts Right-Wing Voters, Strengthens Ties with Smotrich
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
The Likud party is initiating "Operation 200,000" to mobilize an estimated 200,000 right-wing voters, potentially securing five parliamentary seats. This effort includes extensive ground operations and volunteer mobilization. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also strengthening his alliance with Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party, while appearing to distance himself from Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Likud launches "Operation 200,000" to mobilize 200,000 right-wing voters, potentially gaining five seats.
- The operation includes door-to-door visits, phone banking, and voter transportation to polls.
- Some Likud officials doubt the feasibility of reaching the 200,000-voter target.
- Netanyahu is strengthening his alliance with Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party.
- Netanyahu appears to be distancing himself from Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party.
The Likud party is launching an intensive ground operation aimed at mobilizing an estimated 200,000 right-wing voters who have either stayed home or shifted their support away from the party. This effort, internally dubbed "Operation 200,000," seeks to reclaim potential votes, which Likud strategists believe could amount to five parliamentary seats. The plan involves door-to-door visits, phone banking, mobilizing yeshiva students and volunteers, and providing transportation to polling stations, particularly in areas with a high concentration of potential right-wing voters but historically low turnout.
While Likud leadership acknowledges that some voters who previously supported them have moved to Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party, they believe a significant bloc of potential voters remains disengaged. Some within Likud express skepticism about reaching the ambitious 200,000-voter target, with some estimating a more realistic goal of 100,000 to 150,000, which could translate to about three seats. This mobilization strategy has historical precedent, with similar efforts dating back to the 2015 elections.
Simultaneously, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to be distancing himself from Ben-Gvir and reinforcing his alliance with Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party. This strategic shift is driven by the changing dynamics within the right-wing bloc, where the ultra-Orthodox parties are perceived as less committed, Ben-Gvir is asserting greater independence and drawing votes from within the bloc, and the opposition is adopting Netanyahu's former bloc strategy. Smotrich is seen as a reliable partner offering both political loyalty and a strong ground apparatus, which is crucial for Netanyahu as he navigates these electoral challenges.
Mentioned
