Frustration in Likud grows: the security situation disrupts Netanyahu's campaign

Growing frustration in the Likud election headquarters following the cancellation and reduction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's field events, against the backdrop of security tensions. Planned events were canceled or scaled down, including a tour in Be'er Sheva that took place without Netanyahu. The headquarters is preparing for the possibility that additional events after the holiday will also be held with only ministers participating.

Frustration is mounting in the Likud election headquarters following the cancellation and reduction of field events in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was supposed to participate, against the backdrop of recent security incidents and growing tensions. This is a central component of the Likud campaign to mobilize voters in Likud districts and party strongholds. Already at an early stage of the campaign, security officials made it clear that the Prime Minister would hardly be able to participate in mass events in closed halls, for security reasons. To overcome the limitation, an alternative model of surprise events in crowded places such as malls and shopping centers was planned. However, the security tensions upended the plans. Yesterday, the Prime Minister was supposed to conduct an extensive tour in Be'er Sheva, but due to the aircraft incident and the attempted aerial attack that was thwarted, Netanyahu was forced to stay at the Kirya and participate in urgent security discussions. The visit to Be'er Sheva eventually took place, but without Netanyahu – carried out by ministers and Knesset members from Likud who conducted the tour in his place. In Likud, they note that additional events planned for the week after the holiday are also in question, and the party is preparing for the possibility that they too will be held with the participation of ministers and other senior officials, without the presence of the Prime Minister.