The man who won't forgive Netanyahu: Likud senior planning to open a front from within the faction

The article reviews the preparations in Likud for the upcoming election campaign, focusing on two fronts: David Bitan, who may return to a role of internal opposition against Netanyahu, and the challenge for the party chairman in energizing the base and the battle for young voters against Itamar Ben Gvir. The article quotes campaign sources and analyzes Netanyahu's strategy.

The article examines the preparations in Likud for the upcoming election campaign, focusing on two main fronts from the perspective of party chairman Benjamin Netanyahu. The internal front centers on MK David Bitan, described as "the man who won't forgive Netanyahu" and who may return to a role of internal opposition within the faction. According to the article, the assessment is that Bitan will remain in Likud and maintain some independence, but will do so cautiously to avoid finding himself isolated. In the next Knesset, he may stand almost alone, or alongside one or two additional MKs. The external front concerns Netanyahu's main challenge: bringing Likud supporters to the polls, against a backdrop of fatigue among the base after years of war and political crises, and especially in light of the debate over ultra-Orthodox conscription. The article notes that some Likud supporters are angry and even say they do not intend to vote. To address this, the campaign is expected to try to convince voters that the elections are fateful. Additionally, the article reports on increased investment in merchandise and campaign branding, aiming to compete with Itamar Ben Gvir's advantage in creating a young and visual political culture.