Netanyahu Faces Post-Election Coalition Challenges Even With Majority
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Four days before the election, the Likud party is worried about losing votes to smaller parties and potentially not securing a 61-seat majority. Haredi parties are reportedly considering replacements for Amir Ohana, and coalition formation is already a focus. Motty Leitner's Haredi Public Party has rejected withdrawal offers, vowing to end the monopoly of existing Haredi parties. Leitner's support for Benjamin Netanyahu will be conditional on policy advancements.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Likud fears losing votes to smaller parties, potentially jeopardizing a 61-seat majority.
- Haredi parties are reportedly considering replacements for Amir Ohana.
- Motty Leitner's Haredi Public Party refuses to withdraw from the election.
- Leitner declared the end of the monopoly held by Shas and United Torah Judaism.
- Leitner's future support for Netanyahu is conditional on advancing his demands.
With just four days until the election, the Likud party is concerned about losing hundreds of thousands of votes to smaller parties, preparing for a scenario where a 61-seat majority might not be achieved. Simultaneously, Haredi parties are reportedly considering replacements for Amir Ohana, and the battle for the next coalition has already commenced.
Millions of Israelis are set to vote on Tuesday to decide the country's leadership. In the final days before the election, political camps are already grappling with the possibility that no faction leader will be able to form a government. Campaign headquarters are preparing for coalition negotiations, the fight for Knesset control, and attempts to sway members of Knesset from opposing blocs. The prospect of another election cycle is being considered by all parties.
The Likud fears that a significant number of voters might cast ballots for lists that fail to pass the electoral threshold, potentially jeopardizing their chances of securing a majority. In parallel, the Haredi Public Party, led by Motty Leitner, has rejected offers to withdraw from the race, despite pressure and financial incentives. Leitner stated, "We are not withdrawing. The monopoly of Shas and United Torah Judaism has ended," and the party announced it is no longer in withdrawal negotiations. This move has also sparked public debate, with Yair Netanyahu criticizing Leitner on social media.
Leitner has been offered projects for the Haredi sector, including employment programs and the establishment of state-Haredi schools, involving hundreds of millions of shekels. However, he remains unconvinced these promises can be fulfilled without the agreement of Shas and United Torah Judaism, which oppose some of his proposed reforms. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would also face difficulties advancing such initiatives if his Haredi partners object, especially if their support is crucial for forming the next government. Leitner emphasized that any future support for Netanyahu would be conditional on advancing his demands, including the status of service law and policy in Gaza, stating, "There is no open check."
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