Netanyahu Warns Against Splitting Right-Wing Votes Ahead of Elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video criticizing small right-wing parties, warning their participation risks splitting the vote and enabling a left-wing government. He urged right-wing voters not to support parties unlikely to pass the electoral threshold, as such votes would be wasted and could lead to the left's rise to power. Netanyahu recalled the 1992 elections, when right-wing splinter parties failed to cross the threshold, contributing to a left-wing victory. "Do we want to repeat that mistake? I hope not," he said, emphasizing that these small parties would only "burn our votes." Using a hand gesture, he illustrated how votes cast for these parties are effectively thrown away.

Netanyahu cautioned that if small right-wing parties fail to enter the Knesset, it could result in a government led by center and left-wing parties. He named figures such as Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Golan, Mansour Abbas, and Avigdor Lieberman, claiming that a government including them would lead to a "fire sale of the country" and a political and democratic disaster. He concluded by urging voters to reject small parties, stating that voting for them wastes votes and guarantees the left's ascent.

The prime minister's message comes amid ongoing concerns about right-wing vote fragmentation ahead of upcoming elections, highlighting the strategic importance of consolidating votes to prevent a left-wing government formation.