Netanyahu Shifts Strategy, Accepts Losing 2-3 Knesset Seats to Block Opposition Majority

Former Knesset member Eitan Cabel from the Labor party outlined a significant change in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political strategy ahead of the upcoming election campaign. In an interview with Radio 103FM, Cabel explained that Netanyahu is no longer focused on securing a majority of 61 seats for his bloc. Instead, the Prime Minister is concentrating his efforts on preventing the opposition from reaching that majority and forming a government.

Cabel described Netanyahu's approach as a pragmatic acceptance of losing 2 to 3 Knesset seats, stating, "He decided to give up 2-3 mandates he might lose in the elections." This shift reflects Netanyahu's understanding that the main goal is to block the opposing bloc rather than to achieve an outright majority himself.

Additionally, Cabel noted that Netanyahu aims first to maintain the unity of his current coalition and second to encourage splits and new alliances within the opposition. By fostering the entry of figures like Benny Gantz and Dedi Simchi, Netanyahu hopes to fragment the opposition vote, thereby preventing them from reaching 61 seats. Cabel emphasized that this strategy represents a significant political achievement for Netanyahu, who is now operating from a position he can manage effectively.

Cabel also shared his own changed perspective on the coalition's legislative agenda, acknowledging that Netanyahu is likely to pass key laws despite earlier doubts, as he is willing to sacrifice some seats to maintain coalition stability and block the opposition majority.