Likud Pressures Netanyahu to Block New Right-Wing Party Formation Ahead of 2026 Elections

Amid growing concerns within Likud about a potential split in the right-wing vote, party leaders are urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a reserved spot for Yosef Hadad on the party list. This move aims to prevent Hadad from joining forces with Ofer Winter, who is reportedly preparing to launch an independent right-wing party ahead of the 2026 elections.

Hadad is reportedly behind a registration request for a new party named "Brave Israel," although his name does not appear on the official registration documents. He has been in talks with Winter, who has been developing an independent political platform for several months and plans to announce his party soon. Winter intends to run independently rather than joining an existing party.

Likud officials fear that Winter’s party could siphon votes from Likud and other right-wing factions but might fail to pass the electoral threshold, thereby weakening the entire right-wing bloc. Recent polls that included the scenario of Winter running independently have indicated a potential negative impact on the right-wing parties’ overall strength. Political observers are closely watching whether the negotiations between Winter and Hadad will lead to a joint effort or further fragmentation of the right-wing vote.