Netanyahu Considered Dramatic Move to Limit Term Amid Campaign Woes

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inner circle has reportedly reconsidered a dramatic proposal: declaring that his next term would be his last. This idea, previously explored and shelved, is expected to be dropped again due to campaign difficulties and fears of alienating right-wing voters. Columnist Ben Caspit reports that Netanyahu recognizes a significant portion of his previous voters are unwilling to support him again, believing Israelis are aware their situation has not improved and that he was responsible for major national failures, including the "containment of Hamas" policy. Many are reportedly unwilling to vote for him again, prioritizing the country over their support for Netanyahu.

Caspit suggests that if current predictions for voter turnout hold, candidates like Ofer Winter and Handel-Zelicha face slim chances of election, and even Moshe Feiglin and Smotrich would need to work hard. This scenario is described as unprecedented for Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Gadi Eisenkot has succeeded where Yair Lapid failed previously by unifying the center-left bloc, with Benny Gantz even withdrawing. Parties are reportedly united by surplus agreements, preventing vote wastage. Despite internal disputes, the bloc is seen as gaining momentum, with poll declines halted and the gap in prime ministerial preference widening. The sentiment that victory is possible is growing, with tens of thousands of Israelis abroad reportedly planning to return to vote in what is described as a "rescue operation" for the country, emphasizing the need for a second round of elections to be avoided.