Netanyahu Faces Political Trap as New Party Surges in Polls
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is concerned as a new poll shows the "Reservists and Economists" party, led by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zehlikha, exceeding the electoral threshold. This party could potentially draw votes from the left, aiding Netanyahu, but its leaders are not committed to him and might join rivals. Netanyahu previously warned Likud candidates about losing votes to this party and Ofer Winter's. The Prime Minister is expected to try and prevent the party from crossing the threshold to avoid future political instability and extortion.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A new poll shows Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zehlikha's "Reservists and Economists" party surpassing the electoral threshold.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously warned Likud candidates about losing votes to this party.
- The party's success could draw votes from the left, potentially aiding Netanyahu's coalition efforts.
- However, the party's leaders are not committed to Netanyahu and could join rivals.
- Netanyahu is reportedly wary of the party becoming a source of political blackmail and instability.
- Netanyahu is expected to work to keep the party below the electoral threshold.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a political dilemma after a new poll shows the "Reservists and Economists" party, led by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zehlikha, surpassing the electoral threshold. This development comes just a day after Netanyahu warned Likud candidates in a closed meeting about losing potential votes to Hendel and Zehlikha's party, as well as to Ofer Winter's party, stating these mandates should belong to Likud.
The Channel 14 poll, conducted by Shlomo Filber, indicates that Hendel and Zehlikha's party has not only survived but strengthened, potentially securing Knesset representation. This party has been seen as a protest vote, attracting voters disillusioned with both the current government and the opposition, and seeking an alternative to extreme political discourse.
Netanyahu's concern stems from a dual threat posed by the party's potential success. On one hand, if the party gains seats, it could draw votes away from the left-wing bloc, hindering Yair Lapid and Yair Golan's ability to form a blocking majority in the Knesset. In this scenario, Hendel and Zehlikha's mandates could even be crucial for Netanyahu in forming his own coalition.
However, the party's leadership is not aligned with Netanyahu. They have previously participated in the Bennett-Lapid government and are politically inclined towards the left. This independence means they could potentially join an opposition coalition, turning the party into a source of political blackmail and instability for any government it joins. Netanyahu is reportedly wary of this risk, recalling past negotiations with Hendel that led to the "change government."
Given these concerns, Netanyahu is unlikely to embrace the party's surge. Instead, he is expected to continue efforts to push the party below the electoral threshold, aiming to avoid the complexities of coalition negotiations and the potential for future political extortion from figures he deems unreliable.
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