Netanyahu's election strategy may hinge on 55 seats, rather than a 61-seat majority - analysis

Likud officials are privately discussing a more modest election target of 55-56 seats, enough to form a blocking bloc and prevent opponents from forming a government, rather than the publicly claimed 61-seat majority. This strategy could involve former prime minister Naftali Bennett as a potential coalition partner, though no talks have occurred. The approach may also aim to weaken Gadi Eisenkot's standing as a leading candidate for prime minister within the opposing bloc.

Likud officials are privately discussing a more modest election target of 55 to 56 seats, rather than the publicly claimed 61-seat majority. Such a result would be enough to form a blocking bloc and prevent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political opponents from forming a government. In that scenario, the party would either push for another election or attempt to recruit a coalition partner from the opposing camp. According to the officials, former prime minister Naftali Bennett is the only figure who might agree to such an arrangement, without Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid. The officials stressed that no talks have taken place between Netanyahu's representatives and Bennett or his associates. They also believe another election could weaken Gadi Eisenkot's standing as a leading candidate for prime minister within the opposing bloc.