Netanyahu Secures Right-Wing Support as Achi Party Withdraws from Elections
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured the Achi Party's withdrawal from the 26th Knesset elections, with the party now endorsing Likud. The decision followed pressure from Likud and a Zoom call between Netanyahu and Achi leader Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Abirgil. The move is seen as preventing wasted votes for the right-wing bloc, as Achi was unlikely to pass the electoral threshold. This follows similar withdrawals by other small parties and Benny Gantz's Blue and White.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Achi Party withdraws from Knesset elections, endorsing Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Rabbi Abirgil for his decision, calling it vital for the right-wing bloc.
- The withdrawal followed intense pressure from Likud and negotiations led by Education Minister Yoav Kisch.
- Achi Party's exit is seen as preventing wasted votes, as it was unlikely to pass the electoral threshold.
- This move is part of a trend of small parties withdrawing ahead of the upcoming elections.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has secured a political gain ahead of the upcoming 26th Knesset elections, with the Achi Party announcing its withdrawal from the race. The party, led by Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Abirgil, will not run and has instructed its supporters to vote for the Likud party. This move followed intense pressure from the Likud, with Netanyahu himself participating in a Zoom call with Rabbi Abirgil, and Minister of Education Yoav Kisch leading the negotiations.
During the Zoom call, Netanyahu thanked Rabbi Abirgil for his "serious and responsible decision" to withdraw, stating it would help "ensure the eternity of Israel" and safeguard the strength of the right-wing bloc. Netanyahu also spoke about national challenges and international cooperation, referencing his partnership with President Trump to remove existential threats.
A decisive meeting in Netivot included Kisch, Rabbi Abirgil, Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar, Netivot Mayor Yechiel Zohar, Ofakim Mayor Itzik Danino, and attorney Lior Katsev. Deputy Minister Almog Cohen also met with Rabbi Abirgil the previous evening. The Ministry of Education confirmed that at the Prime Minister's request, Minister Kisch negotiated with the Achi movement, agreeing that the Likud would advance the party's key issues. A source from Achi stated they achieved significant gains they hadn't anticipated.
The Achi Party, originating from the followers of the late Rabbi Yoram Abirgil in Netivot and the south, was considered a small party likely to draw votes from Shas in peripheral areas. It had not passed the electoral threshold in polls, making its withdrawal seen as another success for Netanyahu in preventing "wasted votes" for the right-wing bloc. This decision follows a public call two weeks prior by Rabbi Tzmach Mazoze, head of the 'Kiseh Rachamim' Yeshiva, for Rabbi Abirgil to withdraw and unite with Shas.
The Achi Party's withdrawal is part of a trend of small parties on both the right and left exiting the race, highlighting the close nature of the polls. Last week, Benny Gantz, chairman of the Blue and White Party, also announced his withdrawal, leading to the removal of 'Yes' ballots from polling stations.
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