Netanyahu's right-wing bloc strains as Likud slides, Eisenkot surges ahead of list deadline
Likud is sliding, Eisenkot is surging, and the right is splintering. The Deep Dive maps the frantic scramble before Israel's parties lock in their final Knesset lists next week.
As Israeli parties finalize Knesset lists, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc is experiencing significant strain. Likud has dropped in polls to around 21 seats, while Gadi Eisenkot's opposition party leads in most surveys. Netanyahu has cautioned against voting for smaller right-wing parties, fearing vote fragmentation could empower the opposition to form a government. This pressure is particularly directed at emerging right-wing lists, such as Ofer Winter's new party. Meanwhile, Itamar Ben-Gvir has rejected a merger with Bezalel Smotrich, and Eisenkot is reportedly in talks with Benny Gantz.
- Mansour Abbas's Ra'am party is running independently and plans to include a Jewish former police chief at number two, potentially positioning it as a coalition partner.
- Naftali Bennett has indicated a softened stance on a pardon for Netanyahu, contingent on his exit from politics, but ruled out joining a government with him.
© All rights to the original article belong to the source. Din Online shows a headline, an excerpt and a link only. The objectivity rating is computed automatically and is an estimate only.
Discussion
No comments yet — be the first to comment.