Netanyahu and Smotrich Meet Rabbi to Urge Party Leader's Withdrawal
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Bezalel Smotrich met with Rabbi Eli Sadan in an effort to convince Ofer Winter, leader of the "Am Israel" party, to withdraw from the upcoming election. Internal polls suggest Winter's party may not pass the electoral threshold, potentially costing Netanyahu's bloc crucial votes. Winter has rejected the pressure, vowing to continue his campaign.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Netanyahu and Smotrich met Rabbi Eli Sadan to pressure Ofer Winter to withdraw his party.
- Internal polls show Winter's "Am Israel" party may not pass the electoral threshold.
- A failure to pass the threshold could result in wasted votes for Netanyahu's bloc.
- Ofer Winter rejected the pressure, stating his party offers a different political alternative.
- The election is scheduled to take place in one week.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich met with Rabbi Eli Sadan, head of the Eli pre-military academy and former rabbi to Ofer Winter, in a renewed effort to persuade Winter to withdraw his candidacy. Winter leads the "Am Israel" party, with elections just a week away.
Sources close to Netanyahu and Smotrich stated that the meeting was prompted by internal polls conducted on October 25th, which indicated a growing concern that Winter's party would not pass the electoral threshold. They fear this could lead to a significant waste of votes for the Netanyahu bloc.
Following reports of the meeting, Winter issued a statement directed at Netanyahu, asserting that "Am Israel wants a different kind of politics" and is "tired of the ugly and unethical campaign you have led and the dishonest methods you are using." He added that his party offers an alternative leadership that takes responsibility, admits mistakes, and fosters unity and respect.
Netanyahu had reportedly decided months ago to campaign against Winter, fearing he would siphon votes. With the election nearing, the pressure is intensifying. The primary objective remains to prevent votes from being lost if Winter's party fails to clear the 2.8% threshold, as indicated in a recent Channel 12 poll.
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