Netanyahu fears strengthening of another politician – assessment

Two weeks before the elections in Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud is preparing a campaign against Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party, fearing his rise to 12–15 seats. Likud aims to reduce the party's representation to 7–8 seats, acting cautiously so as not to alienate right-wing voters. The campaign also targets the parties of Ofer Winter, Yoaz Hendel, and Yaron Zelicha.

Two weeks before the parliamentary elections in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is intensifying his fight for right-wing voters. In addition to countering small parties, Likud intends to limit the growing popularity of Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party. According to Likud's internal polls, potential support for Ben-Gvir's party could reach 12–15 seats, causing concern in Netanyahu's circle, as the strengthening of an ally could shift the balance of power within the right-wing camp. Likud hopes to win back some voters and reduce the party's representation to 7–8 seats. The campaign against Ben-Gvir will be limited to avoid alienating right-wing voters. Competition for votes is also intensifying between Ben-Gvir and the Shas party, which is seeing some of its supporters move to Otzma Yehudit. Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef has criticized Ben-Gvir. An additional source of tension is the surplus vote agreement between Likud and the Religious Zionists without Ben-Gvir's participation. Another campaign target is the parties of Ofer Winter, Yoaz Hendel, and Yaron Zelicha, which could cost the right-wing bloc about three seats. According to internal research, about three-quarters of young voters support Likud, Religious Zionists, and Otzma Yehudit, and Likud can expect 31 seats.