Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on far-right politicians Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to set aside personal differences and unite their forces ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing a report by The Times of Israel, the Prime Minister is seeking to consolidate the right-wing bloc to ensure a stronger electoral performance.
Netanyahu announced that he plans to meet with both politicians in the coming days to discuss the formation of a unified front. According to the Prime Minister, this move aligns with the expectations of the Israeli public, who are looking for a cohesive leadership strategy.
Political analysts suggest that the primary driver behind Netanyahu's appeal is the current polling data. Surveys indicate that if the parties led by Ben-Gvir and Smotrich run separately, they face a significant risk of failing to cross the electoral threshold required to enter the Knesset. Even if they were to pass the threshold individually, projections suggest they would secure fewer mandates than if they were to run as a united bloc.
Israel's next parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 27. Previous analyses have indicated that Netanyahu's firm stance on national security issues could positively influence the ratings of his Likud party, provided the right-wing coalition remains stable and unified.
The Israeli parliamentary system, characterized by its proportional representation, often necessitates coalition building. Small parties frequently struggle to meet the electoral threshold, making pre-election alliances a critical strategic maneuver for major political figures like Netanyahu to consolidate power and form a stable government.
