Netanyahu's Media Strategy Signals Poll Decline, Says Analyst
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Channel 12 commentator Amit Segal believes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's avoidance of interviews with mainstream Israeli media signals a potential drop in Likud's poll numbers. Segal also criticized Netanyahu's strategy regarding Ofer Winter, calling it a significant error. He further commented on Benny Gantz's political departure, suggesting Gadi Eisenkot needs to act decisively.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu's avoidance of mainstream media interviews suggests Likud is declining in polls, according to Amit Segal.
- Netanyahu views interviews with channels 11, 12, or 13 as debates, which he has avoided since 1999.
- Amit Segal called the controversy surrounding Ofer Winter a potential "greatest vote burner" for the right.
- Segal believes Netanyahu's opposition to Winter was a strategic mistake that hurt Winter's electoral chances.
- Segal stated Benny Gantz's political move is not a tragedy for the center-left bloc.
- Gadi Eisenkot should act quickly with his political capital, possibly forming a minority government, Segal advised.
Channel 12 commentator Amit Segal suggested that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's avoidance of interviews with mainstream Israeli news channels, which he refers to as "panic channels," indicates a potential decline in the Likud party's poll numbers. Segal explained in a radio interview that Netanyahu views interviews with channels 11, 12, or 13 as akin to a debate, which he has avoided since 1999. If Netanyahu were to agree to such an interview, especially with a challenging interviewer, it would signal that the Likud is indeed faltering in the polls. Netanyahu himself responded vaguely when asked about interviewing on other channels, stating "we will leave it open."
Segal also commented on the controversy surrounding Ofer Winter, calling it a potential "greatest vote burner" for the right. He believes Netanyahu's decision to oppose Winter was a strategic error, as Winter might have surpassed the electoral threshold with more ease without the Prime Minister's attacks, potentially benefiting Netanyahu. Segal estimated that Winter is currently just scraping the threshold.
Regarding Benny Gantz's recent political move, Segal stated it is not a tragedy for the center-left bloc. He attributed Gantz's decline to the bloc's focus on replacing Netanyahu, lacking a unifying large party like Likud or Labor. Segal advised Gadi Eisenkot to act quickly with his political capital, suggesting he form a minority government or unite with Netanyahu to maximize his limited time in a leadership position.
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