Netanyahu and Smotrich's Political Maneuvers Fail to Secure Key Exits
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's attempt to convince Motty Leitner and Ofer Winter to withdraw from the upcoming elections has failed, leaving both candidates in the race. The political maneuver aimed to consolidate the fragmented right-wing bloc ahead of the 2026 elections. The article also criticizes Benny Gantz's political career, suggesting his departure is beneficial for Israeli politics, and touches on the ongoing trial of Benjamin Netanyahu, questioning the conduct of the prosecution.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Netanyahu and Smotrich failed to convince Motty Leitner and Ofer Winter to withdraw from the elections.
- The political operation aimed to consolidate the fragmented right-wing bloc for the 2026 elections.
- Smotrich's offers to Winter included leading a Knesset list, while Netanyahu found Leitner's demands unrealistic.
- Benny Gantz's departure from politics is described as a positive development for Israeli politics.
- The article questions the conduct of law enforcement and prosecution in Benjamin Netanyahu's trial.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have reportedly failed in a political operation to persuade key figures to withdraw from the upcoming elections. The effort aimed to consolidate the right-wing bloc, which is currently fragmented with several parties hovering around the electoral threshold. Smotrich was tasked with leading the withdrawal of Ofer Winter, while Netanyahu was to handle Motty Leitner.
Sources indicate that Smotrich's offers to Winter, coordinated with Netanyahu, were substantial, including the potential leadership of a Knesset list. Netanyahu himself met with Leitner in a late-night meeting at Likud headquarters, but found his demands unrealistic, primarily focused on revenge against existing Haredi parties. Despite efforts to ensure Leitner's departure without documentation, both Leitner and Winter remain in the race, marking a significant failure for the Netanyahu-Smotrich duo.
The article also touches on the broader political landscape, suggesting that figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir are actively working to delegitimize the Likud, warning voters that a vote for Likud could result in a left-wing government without him. Netanyahu's perceived lukewarm response to Ben-Gvir is seen as a calculated move, possibly beneficial for him.
Separately, the article criticizes Benny Gantz's political conduct, describing him as petty and vengeful, citing his past actions within governments and his recent hurried departure from Washington to vote against Netanyahu's immunity, only for the vote to be canceled. The author posits that Gantz's departure from politics is a positive development for Israeli politics, potentially aiding in healing divisions.
Finally, the piece references the ongoing trial of Benjamin Netanyahu, noting claims made by former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit regarding the collapse of key cases and alleged misconduct by law enforcement and prosecution during investigations. The author argues that the system that pursued Netanyahu should itself be investigated.
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