Netanyahu's Inner Circle Feared Election Defeat, Sara Netanyahu Expressed Extreme Anxiety
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Political commentator Ben Caspit reported extreme tension within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's circle on election day, with his wife Sara Netanyahu expressing fears of defeat and even death. Caspit also detailed revised election forecasts and revealed that Naftali Bennett sought a joint list with Gadi Eisenkot, an offer Eisenkot rejected. The commentary also included advice for Eisenkot on political maneuvering and discussed the potential for a unity government.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Sara Netanyahu expressed extreme fears of defeat and even death during the recent election, according to commentator Ben Caspit.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu received revised election forecasts predicting fewer seats for his bloc on election day.
- Naftali Bennett sought a joint Knesset list with Gadi Eisenkot, an offer Eisenkot ultimately rejected.
- Commentator Ben Caspit advised Gadi Eisenkot to act assertively and collaborate with other opposition leaders.
- The US reportedly desires a stable Israeli government to advance the Abraham Accords.
Political commentator Ben Caspit revealed details of the atmosphere surrounding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on election day for the 26th Knesset. Caspit described an extremely tense environment, claiming that Sara Netanyahu, the Prime Minister's wife, expressed extreme fears of her husband losing power, stating, "We will all die." According to Caspit, close associates of the Prime Minister described an chaotic election day with unusually loud shouting. One associate reportedly conveyed Sara Netanyahu's fears, including a concern that Gadi Eisenkot might lead to the removal of her security detail.
Caspit also discussed election forecasts presented to Netanyahu. He alleged that pollster Shlomo Filber initially predicted 67 seats for the bloc but later revised it to 58 seats on election day. The bloc ultimately secured 53 seats.
The report further detailed negotiations between Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett before the Knesset candidate lists were submitted. Caspit stated that the two held two significant meetings to explore a joint run, with Bennett pushing for the union and seeking the second spot on the list, the Finance Ministry, and responsibility for artificial intelligence. However, Eisenkot ultimately declined the offer.
Caspit also advised Eisenkot to act assertively against Netanyahu, suggesting he "play cruel poker" and collaborate with Avigdor Lieberman, Naftali Bennett, and Yair Lapid to advance political moves in the Knesset. He criticized the leaders of the change bloc for not yet organizing a joint framework.
Regarding the possibility of a government relying on Arab parties, Caspit expressed his principled support for their inclusion but doubted its feasibility given the current political and security situation. He concluded by discussing the potential for a unity government, noting that the United States desires a stable Israeli government to advance the Abraham Accords. Caspit believes Netanyahu should invite Eisenkot to form a broad government but anticipates the Prime Minister will not choose this path.
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