The rival Netanyahu is really afraid of - and the secret plan to win back mandates | Mati Tuchfeld

In an analysis piece, Mati Tuchfeld examines the upcoming election campaign and identifies Avigdor Lieberman as the most dangerous rival for Likud, due to his ability to attract right-wing voters. The article describes Netanyahu's strategy to focus the discourse on security and Iran, in contrast to the opposition's attempt to center the debate on a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 disaster.

Mati Tuchfeld analyzes in a commentary article the upcoming election campaign and identifies Avigdor Lieberman as the most significant rival for Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud. According to the analysis, the danger posed by Lieberman stems from his being a right-wing figure competing for the same votes that Likud sees as its potential support base. A senior Likud official involved in the campaign explains that Netanyahu's attacks on rivals have different effects: attacking a party within the right-wing bloc may weaken it, while attacking a rival from the opposing bloc could actually strengthen it. The article describes the battle over the agenda: the opposition seeks to focus the elections on a state commission of inquiry into October 7 and the question of responsibility, while Netanyahu seeks to focus them on security, Iran, and relations with the United States. The article notes assessments about a possible return of voters who distanced themselves from Likud following the events of October 7, the issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription, and the government's conduct.