Netanyahu Tries to Sway Rival to Quit Election Race

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich met with Rabbi Eli Sadan on Tuesday, a move described by Amcha Israel party head Ofer Winter as an attempt to pressure him into withdrawing from the Knesset elections. The Likud party is reportedly seeking to prevent the loss of right-wing votes to smaller parties that may not pass the electoral threshold. Rabbi Sadan, who heads a military religious institute in the settlement of Eli in the West Bank and is considered an influential figure for Winter, was approached in an effort to sway Winter's decision.

Winter directly addressed Netanyahu, stating, "I heard you and Smotrich are on your way to Rabbi Eli Sadan to pressure me to withdraw." He criticized the "ugly and unethical campaign" and "dishonest methods" employed by Netanyahu and Smotrich, urging them to highlight their achievements rather than attack rivals. Winter asserted that his party aims to offer an alternative right-wing leadership that takes responsibility and admits failures, and he reiterated his refusal to withdraw despite the pressure.

These developments follow Smotrich's criticism of Winter and other small right-wing lists after Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity party, announced his withdrawal from the election race. Smotrich accused Winter of wasting right-wing votes, warning that smaller parties persisting in the election could lead to an opposition-led government. He emphasized the risk of the left coming to power if the right loses votes, urging Winter and his allies to "take responsibility."

Channel 13 reported last week that the Likud was in contact with figures from the Amcha Israel list, with Netanyahu preparing offers to encourage leaders to withdraw. Following these contacts, Davidi Ben Tzion, who was eighth on Winter's list, announced his withdrawal, a move welcomed by Netanyahu, who urged other candidates to follow suit to ensure a right-wing victory.

Recent election polls indicate that Winter's party may not pass the electoral threshold, with the exception of one Channel 13 poll on Monday that projected four seats for the party. Despite disagreements with Netanyahu, Winter had previously stated in August that he would recommend Netanyahu alone to form the government, affirming his party's alignment with the right-wing bloc.