CursorinfoPolitics12:50

Netanyahu Shifts Campaign Strategy to Court Right-Wing Voters

By Ирен Давид

Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is changing his election strategy to appeal directly to voters of smaller right-wing parties after failing to convince their leaders to withdraw. He and Bezalel Smotrich are warning these voters against splitting the right-wing vote, citing the 1992 election as a cautionary tale. Netanyahu may also consider forming a unity government without Itamar Ben-Gvir if it ensures he remains prime minister, though Gadi Eisenkot joining such a coalition is seen as improbable.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is shifting his election strategy to directly target voters of smaller right-wing parties.
Netanyahu and Bezalel Smotrich are warning voters against splitting the right-wing vote, referencing the 1992 election.
The campaign aims to mobilize right-wing voters who might otherwise support minor parties with low chances of passing the electoral threshold.
Netanyahu may consider excluding Itamar Ben-Gvir from a coalition to form a unity government and stay in power.
Gadi Eisenkot joining a Netanyahu-led government to secure a majority is considered unlikely.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is altering his election campaign strategy, shifting focus from persuading small right-wing parties to withdraw from the race to directly appealing to their voters. This comes after failed attempts to convince leaders like Ofer Vinter and Moti Leitner, who heads the "Hatzibur Ha'charedi" party, to drop out.

The "Likud" party now aims to rally supporters of these smaller factions, believing that mobilizing voters within the right-wing bloc is key to victory. The campaign is primarily targeting right-wing voters who might otherwise support minor parties but could be persuaded to vote for "Likud," "Religious Zionism," or "Otzma Yehudit" if they believe these parties have a better chance of success. A source familiar with the campaign noted this approach will continue until results are seen.

Netanyahu and "Religious Zionism" leader Bezalel Smotrich have intensified criticism of Vinter and Leitner, accusing them of jeopardizing the right-wing bloc's chances of securing a Knesset majority. They are warning against a repeat of the 1992 election scenario, where fragmented right-wing votes led to a loss of power. Netanyahu has publicly cautioned against this, urging voters to support parties with a realistic chance of passing the electoral threshold.

Separately, speculation exists about the composition of the next government if Netanyahu's bloc fails to achieve the 61-seat majority. Reports suggest Netanyahu might consider forming a national unity government and excluding Itamar Ben-Gvir if it means remaining prime minister. However, the possibility of Gadi Eisenkot joining a Netanyahu-led government to provide the necessary majority is considered unlikely at this stage. Netanyahu's primary concern appears to be retaining his position, even if it requires parting ways with current political allies.