Netanyahu Likely to Oppose Formation of Fourth Right-Wing Party Ahead of Elections

A senior Likud official indicated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leaning toward not supporting the establishment of a fourth right-wing party for the upcoming elections. The goal is to consolidate new right-wing factions with existing parties such as Likud, Otzma Yehudit, and Religious Zionism to avoid vote splitting. Parties that refuse to merge may face targeted campaigns aimed at preventing wasted votes.

This development comes just before right-wing activist Ofer Winter announces the creation of another right-wing party. Netanyahu has yet to finalize his strategy but appears inclined to rely on the three main right-wing parties alone, assuming that right-wing voters opposing the current government will return to their previous parties. The decision will be influenced by Winter's announcement and subsequent polling data.

Netanyahu's concern is that a fourth party could jeopardize the right-wing bloc's majority or enable alliances with opposition figures like Avigdor Lieberman and Naftali Bennett, potentially excluding Netanyahu from power. Efforts are underway to merge parties such as Noam with Religious Zionism and possibly incorporate Moshe Feiglin's faction. If unsuccessful, Netanyahu plans to diminish their influence by warning right-wing voters against supporting smaller parties that risk failing to pass the electoral threshold.

Several right-wing parties have already declared their participation, including Gilad Erdan and Yuli Edelstein's Unity Party, Moshe Feiglin's Zehut, Eli Goldschmidt and Eli Van Biran's party, and Sharren Haskel's faction. Additionally, Avi Maoz's Noam party, recently renamed Noam for Israel, will run. Ofer Winter is expected to announce his party this week. Netanyahu's strategy aims to unify the right-wing camp to optimize electoral success and prevent vote dilution ahead of the 2026 elections.