Netanyahu races to unify Israel's right wing in bid to avert election defeat
Winter defied Netanyahu’s merger push, and polls show his new list could win four seats or none.
- On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pressed right-wing allies to consolidate candidate lists before the midnight deadline, seeking to avert an election defeat predicted by opinion polls.
- Parties must surpass a 3.25% vote threshold, equal to four seats, to enter parliament, while Netanyahu's Likud party faces losing a third of its parliamentary power.
- Political newcomer Ofer Winter also rejected merger overtures, citing concerns about those responsible for the October 7, 2023, security failures, and is polling at four seats or none.
- Netanyahu told Channel 14 that Winter risks "wasting" crucial right-wing votes if he fails to win enough seats to enter the Knesset, signaling deepening coalition fractures.
- Analysts note Netanyahu faces an unprecedented historical crisis ahead of the October 27 election, with rival Gadi Eisenkot gaining ground and the nationalist-religious coalition risking significant parliamentary losses.
7 Articles
7 Articles
The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, seeks to consolidate the fragmented parties of the Israeli right before the final deadline of Tuesday, in an attempt to avoid an electoral defeat pointed out by opinion polls. Material exclusive to subscribers. To have full access, access the link of the matter and make your registration.
Defying Netanyahu pressure to merge, Winter submits People of Israel's list ahead of 2026 election
The decision to submit a final party list closes the door on a rumored merger with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionist Party (RZP) that Netanyahu had been pushing.
A new mandate poll published today, the first since the closing of the lists, shows that even if Ofer Winter passes the threshold, Netanyahu is in serious trouble. Also, 'Together' led by Bennett is strengthening
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