Netanyahu's Bid to Sway Candidate Fails as Rabbis Decline to Intervene
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to persuade Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Amcha Israel" party, to withdraw from the Knesset elections by engaging two rabbis. Rabbi Bneiahu Shmueli refused to intervene, while Rabbi David Abuchatzeira reportedly expressed support for Winter's continued candidacy. The efforts were made due to concerns about vote dilution within the right-wing bloc as the election nears.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu sought rabbis' help to convince Ofer Winter to withdraw from elections.
- Rabbi Bneiahu Shmueli refused to intervene in Ofer Winter's electoral decision.
- Associates of Netanyahu also failed to persuade Rabbi David Abuchatzeira to influence Winter.
- Rabbi Abuchatzeira reportedly supported Winter's continued candidacy in private talks.
- Concerns exist in the right-wing bloc about vote loss to parties below the threshold.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly approached Rabbi Bneiahu Shmueli, with whom Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Amcha Israel" party, studies, in an attempt to persuade Winter to withdraw from the upcoming Knesset elections. The Prime Minister's office expressed concern that Winter's independent candidacy could siphon votes from the right-wing bloc, potentially hindering its ability to form a government and paving the way for a left-wing administration. However, Rabbi Shmueli refused to intervene in Winter's decision and did not agree to assist in convincing the party to withdraw from the race.
In parallel efforts, associates of Netanyahu also reportedly contacted Rabbi David Abuchatzeira, a prominent Kabbalist and public figure in northern Israel, seeking his influence to encourage Winter's withdrawal. These efforts were also unsuccessful. According to reports, Rabbi Abuchatzeira indicated he would not act against Winter's candidacy. Furthermore, in private conversations, Rabbi Abuchatzeira is said to have expressed support for Winter's continued participation in the election, viewing him as part of a hopeful wave within the right-wing camp.
These maneuvers come in the final stretch of the election campaign, amid growing concerns within the right-wing parties about votes being lost to lists that may not pass the electoral threshold.
Mentioned
