Israeli Minister Warns of Election Loss Due to Complacency

Miki Zohar, Israel's Minister of Culture and Sport and a senior Likud party figure, has issued a stark warning that the ruling party is on track to lose the upcoming Knesset elections, scheduled for October 27. Speaking on Radio Gal Israel, Zohar expressed concern over what he described as "excessive sleepiness" and "crazy complacency" among right-wing voters, contrasting it with the high energy and mobilization he perceives on the left.

Zohar stated, "We are on the way to losing the elections. Let there be no misunderstanding." He emphasized that the left-wing bloc is operating with significantly more energy, with people traveling from abroad to vote. He warned that if the turnout from right-wing strongholds does not exceed previous levels, which secured 64 mandates, the Likud will face defeat.

He further analyzed the electoral landscape, noting that unlike the previous election where the left lost votes from parties like Meretz and Balad, those votes are now secured within parties likely to pass the electoral threshold. "This time, we are the ones who stand to lose hundreds of thousands of votes, they are gaining hundreds of thousands of votes. We are sleeping and they are in a frenzy," Zohar declared.

This statement follows a recent controversy where Zohar deflected questions about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu taking responsibility for the October 7th failures. Zohar instead pointed fingers at former security officials and opposition figures, questioning whether Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Golan, Naftali Bennett, or Avigdor Lieberman had taken responsibility for their roles.

Zohar's latest remarks are seen as an attempt to employ a "Gevald campaign" tactic, aiming to galvanize his base by highlighting the perceived threat of losing power. While opponents might interpret this as a sign of weakness or an effort to shift blame, the ruling party hopes these urgent warnings will prevent a loss of government control.