Likud Forms 'Soul Catcher' Team to Lure Opposition Knesset Members

With less than three weeks until the election, the Likud party has established a special team tasked with persuading Knesset members from Gadi Eisenkot's Yachad party to defect. The unit, comprised of current lawmakers and strategic advisors, began its work on Sunday, October 11. This tactic has been employed successfully by Likud in the past, notably when they persuaded two Knesset members, Amihai Shikli and Idit Silman, to leave Naftali Bennett's party. Previous defectors have described facing intense pressure, including protests at family synagogues and constant surveillance near their homes and children's schools. The Likud team is reportedly scrutinizing the backgrounds of Eisenkot's candidates, particularly those with past right-wing affiliations or from right-wing circles. They are gathering information on past statements, associates, and influential rabbis or figures to exert pressure after the election. Promises of political benefits and ministerial positions are also part of the strategy, mirroring incentives offered to Shikli and Silman, who received secured spots on the Likud list and government roles. Shikli secured a favorable position in the Likud primaries for the 26th Knesset, while Silman, despite efforts to cultivate ties with Sara Netanyahu, found herself in an unfavorable spot and later claimed she was "used and discarded" by Netanyahu's inner circle. The Yachad party is aware of potential post-election defections and is reportedly taking preemptive measures, though reports of candidates being asked to sign pledges not to leave the party have been denied. Even written commitments are considered legally unenforceable. Naftali Bennett, who was significantly impacted by such defections, including Amihai Shikli, Idit Silman, and Nir Orbach, has reportedly implemented a more rigorous vetting process for his current party list, including in-depth biographical checks and loyalty tests. Shaul Meridor, representing the Yachad party, stated that all candidates on their list are fully aligned with Eisenkot's platform and that they would not experience defections like Silman's. However, Likud believes Eisenkot is inexperienced in candidate management and plans to leverage the potential for right-wing candidates to break with Eisenkot over his expected coalition with Yair Golan.