Internal Dispute Over Hadar Mukhtar's Candidacy Sparks Tensions in Netanyahu's Likud

A dispute has emerged within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's circle regarding Hadar Mukhtar's potential candidacy in the Likud primaries. Political analyst Mati Tuchfeld indicated that Mukhtar is unlikely to run, following a debate near Netanyahu that concluded with a decision not to shorten the candidate registration period. Tuchfeld noted that the Likud party's rules and deadlines are flexible, citing that the final registration deadline was extended multiple times.

Tuchfeld warned that any legal ruling on Mukhtar's candidacy could intensify competition for spots on the Likud's national list, which is already tightly packed due to reserved slots Netanyahu is expected to receive. There has been pressure on Netanyahu to reduce these reserved spots from eight to six.

Separately, Tuchfeld addressed the challenges facing ultra-Orthodox parties ahead of the elections. He described dual pressures: external political and public opposition campaigns targeting the ultra-Orthodox, and internal tensions within their communities. He referenced a recent private message from Netanyahu emphasizing that ultra-Orthodox individuals who do not study Torah should face imprisonment.

Additionally, Tuchfeld highlighted a faction of "new ultra-Orthodox" seeking to join the United Torah Judaism party. Since this integration seems unlikely, they are considering forming a separate political party, adding to the internal strain within the ultra-Orthodox political landscape.