Likud Plans Aggressive Campaign Against New Parties and Ben-Gvir

The Likud party is preparing an aggressive campaign targeting "Otzma Yehudit" (Jewish Power) and new parties formed by former officials, aiming to consolidate right-wing votes and secure a majority for the bloc. Internal polls suggest Otzma Yehudit could garner 12-15 Knesset seats, a development causing concern within Likud, which fears this growth will come at its expense and hinder the formation of a stable government.

Likud's strategy involves a focused effort to reduce Otzma Yehudit's support to 7-8 seats. The campaign will reportedly portray Otzma's leader, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, as unable to guarantee a full right-wing government and as potentially jeopardizing the bloc's unity. Likud plans to argue that only a strong Likud can prevent a left-wing government, potentially supported by Arab parties.

Simultaneously, Likud aims to reclaim votes from lists led by Brigadier General (Res.) Ofer Vinter and former minister Yoaz Hendel and Professor Yaron Zelicha. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly stated at a closed Likud meeting that three seats currently supporting these new lists must return to Likud, warning that votes for parties failing to pass the electoral threshold or for small parties risk weakening the right-wing bloc.

This dual approach, weakening Otzma Yehudit and bringing back voters from Vinter and Hendel-Zelicha's lists, is seen by Likud as crucial for achieving the necessary 61 seats for a right-wing majority and preventing a left-wing government or a blocking bloc. The party anticipates that the coming weeks will emphasize the need for a large, strong ruling party capable of significant political and security initiatives, contrasting this with smaller parties that may lead to wasted votes.