Cannibalization on the Right? The Battle for Every Seat in the Elections at Its Peak - and the Bloc in a Deadlock

Ahead of the final stretch of the 2026 elections, Likud under Netanyahu is fighting for every seat while trying to curb the power of Otzma Yehudit. The article describes 'cannibalization' on the right, where transferring seats from Otzma Yehudit to Likud would not add seats to the bloc. The Haredi parties are also preparing for battle, with internal tensions in United Torah Judaism and threats from the Gur Hasidic dynasty not to participate in the vote.

Ahead of the final stretch of the 2026 election campaign, Likud under Benjamin Netanyahu is fighting for every seat, while trying to curb the power of Otzma Yehudit and win back wavering right-wing voters. The article describes 'cannibalization' on the right, where transferring seats from Otzma Yehudit to Likud would strengthen Netanyahu's position in coalition negotiations but would not add seats to the bloc. Likud claimed that talks were held with party officials, but Ben Gvir showed no willingness to participate. Smotrich accused Ben Gvir of trying to take seats from Likud and Religious Zionism. The alliance between Netanyahu and Smotrich was expressed in a surplus agreement, while Otzma Yehudit remained without one. The Haredi parties are also preparing for battle: Shas, which receives 7 seats in the 'Maariv' poll, is trying to stem voter leakage to Ben Gvir. In United Torah Judaism, there are internal tensions, difficulties in operating the election headquarters, and threats from the Gur Hasidic dynasty not to participate in the vote. According to estimates, the number of votes that could be lost from the bloc due to the abstention of Gur members is estimated at over 30,000 voters.