Likud Fears Small Parties Could Cost Right-Wing Bloc Seats
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
The Likud party is concerned that smaller right-wing parties Ach"i and Noam may cause the bloc to lose at least 1.5 Knesset seats if they don't withdraw from the upcoming elections. Negotiations involving Likud, Shas, and Minister Yoav Kisch have not yet yielded agreements, despite offers of positions and potential budgetary aspects. Ach"i awaits a decision from Rabbi Chida Aberjil, while Bezalel Smotrich's talks with Moti Lightner are also stalled.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Likud fears Ach"i and Noam's continued participation could cost the right-wing bloc at least 1.5 Knesset seats.
- Negotiations to convince Ach"i and Noam to withdraw have so far been unsuccessful.
- Ach"i is awaiting a decision from Rabbi Chida Aberjil before making a final choice on withdrawal.
- Offers of positions and potential budgetary aspects were reportedly made by Likud during negotiations.
- Some proposed terms have faced opposition from the Shas party.
- Bezalel Smotrich's efforts to recruit Moti Lightner to his list are currently stalled.
With 12 days remaining until the Knesset elections, the Likud party is intensifying efforts to prevent vote loss within the right-wing bloc. Attempts to persuade the smaller parties, Ach"i and Noam, to withdraw from the race have so far been unsuccessful, despite offers of various positions during negotiations. Likud estimates that their continued participation could lead to the loss of at least one and a half Knesset seats for the right-wing bloc.
A source from the Ach"i party confirmed to "Kikar HaShabbat" that a meeting took place between Likud representatives and the party to convince Ach"i to withdraw its candidacy. This meeting followed earlier discussions between Ach"i representatives and members of Knesset and senior figures from the Shas party. According to the source, Likud made promises and offers during the meeting, which may have included budgetary aspects. However, some demands or offers have reportedly met with opposition from Shas, and no final agreement has been reached.
Reports indicate that negotiations led by Minister Yoav Kisch with representatives of the smaller parties included offers for various roles, but these attempts to secure their withdrawal have not yet resulted in agreements. Both parties are currently continuing their campaigns.
Ach"i is awaiting further negotiations and a decision from Rabbi Chida Aberjil, whose approval is needed for a significant decision to withdraw from the elections. No final decision has been made, and negotiations are ongoing. The primary concern for Likud is that votes cast for parties failing to pass the electoral threshold will not translate into Knesset seats. The estimated loss of at least one and a half seats for the right-wing bloc due to the smaller parties' participation is the backdrop to these withdrawal efforts.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Religious Zionism party Bezalel Smotrich is also continuing efforts to reach an agreement with Moti Lightner to join his list. However, negotiations between them are currently stalled, with no reported progress.
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