Netanyahu Plans Strategic Realignment of Fragmented Right-Wing Parties Ahead of 2026 Elections

Ahead of the 2026 Israeli elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing a strategic plan to reorganize the fragmented right-wing bloc, which currently consists of multiple small parties and new initiatives. According to Moti Tuchfeld, head of the political desk at Channel 14, Netanyahu intends to wait for clearer polling data before intervening, allowing party leaders to first attempt to form alliances on their own. This approach aims to clarify each faction's true electoral strength, especially considering new players like Ofer Winter's party and Noam, alongside established groups such as Otzma Yehudit and Religious Zionism.

Tuchfeld explained that if Winter's party polls strongly, it will be difficult to integrate him as a junior partner in another party, but if the numbers are weaker, positions may shift, opening the door for new coalitions. Netanyahu is expected to step in only if negotiations stall due to disagreements or ego clashes, potentially imposing a solution to unify the right-wing camp. There is also speculation about a possible renewed alliance between Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

The plan includes leveraging reserved slots within the Likud party as bargaining tools in the reorganization process. Netanyahu is not expected to rush decisions regarding these reserved seats, as they could be instrumental in reshaping the bloc. Tuchfeld emphasized that while the Likud primaries are over, the real challenge lies ahead in consolidating the right-wing factions to maximize their electoral power in the upcoming elections.