Israeli Political Parties Weigh Interests in Potential New Elections
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Israeli political parties are analyzing their interests ahead of potential new elections, with most publicly opposing them. Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud see an advantage in repeat elections, while Gadi Eisenkot and the change bloc aim to prevent Netanyahu's return to power. Other parties like Yisrael Beiteinu, the Democratic Party, Arab parties, and Haredi factions have varying calculations based on their electoral prospects and coalition possibilities.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud have a significant interest in new elections to overcome electoral limitations.
- Gadi Eisenkot and the change bloc aim to prevent Netanyahu's premiership, fearing electoral integrity issues.
- Avigdor Lieberman's stance suggests potential shifts in coalition possibilities, possibly leading to new elections.
- Arab parties and the Democratic Party have little interest in repeat elections due to maximized voter potential.
- Haredi parties and Shas are calculating how to best leverage their positions in the current or a future electoral landscape.
As Israel faces the possibility of another election, various political parties are assessing their interests and the potential outcomes. While most publicly state they do not want a repeat election, the underlying calculations reveal differing motivations.
Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud party have a significant interest in new elections, as the current "change bloc" appears to have exhausted its electoral potential. Netanyahu is reportedly hesitant to form a unity government, fearing it would prevent him from addressing key issues like forming a national inquiry committee for the October 7th massacre and potentially losing control of significant ministries. He also worries about the appointment of a new Justice Minister and other critical positions.
Gadi Eisenkot, a leader within the change bloc, has no interest in new elections, as his position as the bloc's leading candidate could be jeopardized. The change bloc is also concerned about the Likud's efforts to challenge election results, fearing that further elections could compromise electoral integrity. Eisenkot's primary goal is to prevent Netanyahu from continuing as Prime Minister.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has not yet decided his political path, but new elections could offer him a stronger starting position as a potential leading candidate for the bloc, though the risk remains that the change bloc might not gain strength. Yair Lapid, number two on the list, may have different interests.
Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu, who opposes a government with Netanyahu and a minority government with Arab parties, has softened his stance on potential partnerships with some Haredi parties. While he stated the need to prevent further elections, his limited options and adherence to core campaign promises could lead to new elections, where he might improve his standing after criticizing Eisenkot's "selfish campaign."
Other parties also have distinct calculations. Yair Golan of the Democratic Party does not benefit from new elections, as his base's high voter turnout is unlikely to be replicated. He prefers a government supported by the Joint List and Ra'am, an option that might not be available in repeat elections. The Arab parties, the Joint List and Ra'am, have no interest in new elections, as they have already maximized their voter potential and may struggle to regain influence. The Haredi party United Torah Judaism, currently a kingmaker, might not retain its pivotal position in new elections and prefers to leverage its current influence. Shas, having suffered a significant electoral blow, has an interest in new elections if Netanyahu leads the way, hoping to benefit from a strengthened right-wing bloc. Otzma Yehudit and Religious Zionism, particularly Itamar Ben-Gvir, are dependent on Netanyahu's decisions; if he can rally the bloc to 61 seats, they would benefit.
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