Not Vinter nor Eisenkot: The party Netanyahu fears most - "They're all votes from his bloc"

Likud is formulating a campaign strategy that examines the fear of establishing a left-wing government relying on the Arab parties as a tool to bring back drifting right-wing voters. Meanwhile, Likud is ignoring the Hendel-Zalicha party, whose support mostly comes from right-wing voters, for fear that exposure will strengthen it.

Likud is formulating a sharp and clear campaign strategy ahead of the elections: a binary message presenting voters with a choice between a right-wing government and a government dependent on the Arab parties, led by Ra'am. The campaign aims to bring back right-wing voters who have drifted away from Likud since October 7, especially amid the controversy over the conscription of Haredim. Likud estimates that the fear of a government relying on Arab votes will cause some of the drifters to "hold their nose" and return. At the same time, Likud is formulating a strategy of complete disregard for the party of Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zalicha. According to internal polls, most of its support comes from right-wing voters, and Likud fears that personal attacks will establish the party and make it an alternative address. Instead, Netanyahu may settle for a general message against voting for parties that might not pass the electoral threshold, without naming them. Likud has no particular interest in whether Hendel and Zalicha pass the threshold, and the question is how to act against them without strengthening them.