Netanyahu May Seek New Elections or Ally with Bennett if Bloc Falls Short

Despite public declarations by the Likud party that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc will secure at least 61 Knesset seats, internal discussions reveal a more complex picture. According to a report by "Maariv," Likud insiders are discussing a more realistic outcome of 55-56 seats for the bloc. Such a result, while not guaranteeing Netanyahu a majority, could be sufficient to form a blocking bloc and prevent the opposing camp from establishing a government.

In this scenario, party sources estimate that Netanyahu would either push for repeat elections or attempt to bring in a partner from the opposing camp. They believe Naftali Bennett is the only figure from the "change bloc" who might agree to such a move, citing Bennett's past political reversals. The sources emphasized that this is a political assessment emerging from internal discussions regarding voter mobilization efforts.

If the Likud bloc secures 55-56 seats, Netanyahu's rivals would need extensive support from Arab parties to form a government, with Ra'am's backing alone potentially insufficient. This could allow Netanyahu to maintain a blocking bloc, preventing a transfer of power even if he cannot form a government himself. The primary goal, according to these assessments, is to prevent his rivals from forming a government.

Simultaneously, the Likud party is reportedly concerned about a senior minister who is "distancing himself and not cooperating." The party also believes Netanyahu will explore the possibility of bringing Bennett into a coalition. "If we manage to get another partner from the change bloc, it can only be Bennett, not Lapid, of course," a right-wing source stated, noting Bennett's history of changing political commitments.