Likud Strategist Filber Warns Small Parties Could Topple Right-Wing Bloc in Elections

Shlomo Filber, the strategist and pollster for the Likud party, spoke on Galei Yisrael radio on Tuesday about the recent Likud primary results and issued a warning about the potential risks facing the right-wing bloc in upcoming elections. Filber noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is very satisfied with the new party list, highlighting that Netanyahu reserved options for additional candidates through party slots, which have proven effective in the past with figures like Shikli and Saada. Filber cautioned that nearly three Knesset seats worth of votes are currently at risk of being wasted on small parties that might fail to pass the electoral threshold, which could endanger the entire right-wing coalition.

In related developments, Likud officially praised the primary outcomes as a renewal of the party’s leadership, combining fresh forces at the top. Netanyahu expressed his intention to use his reserved slots to strengthen the list further with additional candidates. The party emphasized that a Likud victory is crucial to preventing a left-wing government coalition involving Gadi Eizenkot, Yair Golan, Avigdor Lieberman, and Arab parties. Netanyahu thanked Likud members who voted, stating they chose wisely rather than based on deals. He also acknowledged ministers and Knesset members who did not secure top list positions, expressing appreciation for their contributions and plans to involve them in the campaign and efforts to ensure the party’s success.