Netanyahu Bloc Fears Election Setbacks Amidst Internal Strife
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political bloc faces significant concerns about potential mandate losses in the upcoming elections due to internal disputes and the risk of smaller right-wing parties failing to cross the electoral threshold. Efforts by the Likud to consolidate votes have reportedly been met with resistance from parties like Otzma Yehudit. Internal tensions also plague United Torah Judaism, with a potential loss of over 30,000 votes estimated. The bloc is fighting for every mandate in the final stretch of the campaign.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc faces concerns over potential mandate losses in the upcoming elections.
- Internal disputes and the risk of smaller right-wing parties failing to cross the electoral threshold are key worries.
- Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir has reportedly resisted efforts to consolidate votes with the Likud.
- Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich accused Ben-Gvir of trying to take votes from other right-wing parties.
- United Torah Judaism faces internal tensions and potential loss of over 30,000 votes.
- Shas is working to retain voters and address criticism regarding yeshiva students.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies are reportedly concerned about potential losses in the upcoming elections, with internal disputes and the risk of smaller right-wing parties failing to cross the electoral threshold threatening to cost the bloc crucial mandates. The Likud party has been attempting to secure votes from smaller parties, particularly Otzma Yehudit, to bolster Netanyahu's position in coalition negotiations. However, these efforts have reportedly been met with resistance, with Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir showing no willingness to participate in or fund such activities. Bezalel Smotrich, leader of Religious Zionism, has accused Ben-Gvir of attempting to siphon votes from the Likud and Religious Zionism instead of strengthening the broader right-wing bloc.
The electoral landscape is further complicated by the struggles of other parties within the bloc. Shas, projected to win seven seats, is working to prevent its voters from defecting to Ben-Gvir and addressing criticism regarding the status of yeshiva students. The situation within United Torah Judaism is described as even more complex, with internal tensions, difficulties in operating its election headquarters, and threats from the Gur Hasidic sect not to participate in the vote. It is estimated that over 30,000 votes could be lost to the bloc if Gur followers abstain or are not mobilized to vote.
These internal challenges and potential vote losses come as the election approaches its final stretch, with Netanyahu and his partners vying for every mandate. The failure of smaller parties to pass the electoral threshold would mean their votes are not counted in the final seat allocation, significantly impacting the bloc's overall strength.
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