Likud Plans for Possible Election Loss, Eyes Bennett
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
The Likud party is preparing for a potential election outcome of 56-57 seats for the right-wing bloc, despite public confidence in securing a majority. Their strategy involves preventing an alternative government formation, even if it leads to more elections, and attempting to break apart the opposing bloc. Naftali Bennett is considered a potential partner in this plan, and the party believes a failed government formation by the opposition could undermine Gadi Eisenkot's leadership.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Likud is planning for a scenario where the right-wing bloc wins only 56-57 seats, not a clear majority.
- The party's strategy is to prevent an alternative government and potentially trigger new elections.
- Naftali Bennett is seen as a potential partner to fracture the opposing bloc.
- Likud believes a failed opposition government formation could damage Gadi Eisenkot's leadership.
- No direct contact has been made with Bennett at this time.
Despite public declarations of an impending victory, the Likud party is preparing for a scenario where the right-wing bloc secures only 56-57 seats in the Knesset. The party's strategy in such a case would be to prevent the formation of an alternative government, even if it means additional elections, and to attempt to fracture the opposing bloc. Senior Likud officials and former campaign managers believe that even with 56-57 seats, they can prevent the opposing bloc from forming a coalition, especially without broad support from Arab parties. They estimate that even Ra'am's support alone would not be enough for the current opposition to reach the 61-seat majority.
Under this strategy, Benjamin Netanyahu's primary goals would be to maintain control and prevent a transfer of power, accepting the possibility of further elections. The second objective is to dismantle the rival bloc from within. Naftali Bennett is identified as a potential target for such a maneuver, with Likud sources recalling his past political shifts, such as forming a government with Yair Lapid after vowing not to. They believe another election could significantly weaken Bennett, potentially making him amenable to a deal with Netanyahu. However, sources emphasize that no direct contact has been made between the parties at this stage.
Furthermore, Likud assesses that if the change bloc fails to form a government even with 57 seats for the right-wing bloc, it could severely damage Gadi Eisenkot's standing as the bloc's leading candidate, potentially 'burning him out' as a bloc leader. Likud leaders are also aware of statements by Arab party leaders aiming to take control of the Knesset by replacing Amir Ohana and potentially forming a transitional government with a pre-agreed election date, to prevent Netanyahu from returning to the Prime Minister's office.
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