Jerusalem – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is working to bring together Israel’s splintered right‑wing parties before the deadline on Tuesday night for submitting final candidate lists. The move aims to prevent a loss that recent opinion polls have forecast for his nationalist‑religious coalition.
Election deadline forces coalition talks
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest‑serving premier, is seeking a record seventh term in the October 27 election. Facing criticism over the 2023 Hamas attack and subsequent wars in Gaza, Iran and Lebanon, he has pressed allies to combine their lists to boost their chances of crossing the 3.25% vote threshold, which translates to four Knesset seats.
“When we unite, we win. When we splinter, we lose,” Netanyahu told Channel 14 on Aug. 30, emphasizing his commitment to a unified right‑wing front.
Key parties and negotiations
Likud, Netanyahu’s party, is projected to win 20‑23 seats, still likely the largest bloc but short of a majority. Smaller partners such as the far‑right Jewish Power and Religious Zionism parties are crucial for forming a governing coalition.
Religious Zionism, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, merged with Zehut on Sept. 1 after Netanyahu’s encouragement. However, National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir’s Jewish Power party has resisted a joint list, arguing that separate runs would be stronger.
Former Likud member Moshe Feiglin’s Zehut party, now aligned with Religious Zionism, shares hard‑line views on the Palestinians, including calls for annexation of the West Bank and depopulation of Gaza, positions that have drawn international criticism.
Newcomer Ofer Winter remains independent
Right‑wing newcomer Ofer Winter, a former brigadier general, has declined to merge, positioning his party as a protest option for voters dissatisfied with the establishment. Polls place Winter at around four seats, though some surveys show no representation.
Netanyahu warned that a fragmented right could “waste” crucial votes, jeopardizing his ability to return to the Knesset.
Political landscape and rivals
Analysts note that Netanyahu’s hawkish image suffered after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and the ensuing conflicts. His concessions to ultra‑Orthodox allies on military conscription exemptions have further alienated traditional supporters.
Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, leading the Yashar party, has emerged as a notable challenger, gaining ground in recent polls, though his path to power remains uncertain.
At 78, Netanyahu’s age is also a factor, with commentators comparing his current standing to that of senior U.S. leaders.
What’s at stake
The upcoming election will determine whether Netanyahu can secure a seventh term and maintain his coalition’s grip on power, or whether a fragmented right‑wing will hand the Knesset to opposition forces.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
