Netanyahu Camp Pressures Small Parties to Withdraw from Election Race

The camp surrounding Prime Minister Netanyahu is intensifying efforts to persuade small right-wing parties to withdraw from the upcoming election race, fearing they will not pass the electoral threshold. These tactics include billboards, emissaries offering positions, and behind-the-scenes negotiations. Following the first withdrawal of Dudi Ben Zion from the "Am Israel" party, pressure is now also being applied to the "Noam" party and other candidates.

Billboards have been erected near the homes of candidates, including Lali Darai and Dudi Ben Zion, urging them to quit the race. One billboard near Ben Zion's children's bus stop read, "Dudi, withdraw! Don't endanger the country," framing their continued candidacy as a risk to the right-wing bloc due to potential vote splitting. Emissaries have also conveyed offers of positions to candidates on the "Am Israel" list in an attempt to secure their withdrawal. The party "Am Israel" has condemned the campaign as "despicable fear-mongering" aimed at preventing new entrants into politics.

Efforts are also underway to influence the "Noam" party and figures associated with Rabbi Tzvi Tau, with veiled suggestions that party members may not find a receptive ear in the next government. However, "Noam" and its supporters have stated they intend to run until the end and are not deterred by the pressure.

Many of these new political entrants were motivated to join politics after October 7th and are unwilling to be placed low on the Likud list. They are now facing increasing pressure as they attempt to enter the political arena. The withdrawal of Ben Zion highlights how such pressure can affect those new to politics. Netanyahu's associates aim to minimize the risk of vote fragmentation within the right-wing bloc, and their efforts against smaller parties continue.