Netanyahu and Right-Wing Allies Clash as Israeli Election Enters Final Stretch

With nine days left until the elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing allies are locked in a fierce battle for every mandate, even as they may need each other to form the next government. Netanyahu is attempting to boost Likud's strength, curtail the influence of Itamar Ben Gvir, and draw back right-wing voters wavering between the parties. Meanwhile, his partners are already preparing for coalition negotiations and fighting for their opening positions, against the backdrop of the latest Maariv poll showing Likud with just 18 mandates and the Netanyahu bloc at 51.

Likud is stepping up its efforts for the final stretch, focusing on two main goals: expanding the party and preventing wasted right-wing votes. Alongside campaigns targeting smaller lists, Netanyahu aims to lure voters undecided between Likud and Otzma Yehudit. Likud estimates that Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism is no longer in immediate danger of falling below the electoral threshold, allowing resources to be redirected toward becoming the largest party. Hundreds of thousands of text messages have been distributed framing the election as a contest between Likud and the Yashar! party headed by Gadi Eisenkot.

The rivalry with Ben Gvir, who is eyeing the defense portfolio, has erupted into a public clash over ministerial allocations. Netanyahu quickly declared that both the Defense Ministry and the Ministry of National Security should remain in Likud's hands. In response, Ben Gvir demanded the appointment of Tali Gotliv as justice minister, accusing Netanyahu and Smotrich of running a coordinated campaign to weaken him.

Simultaneously, Smotrich has chosen to align with Likud, establishing a joint field headquarters to mobilize voters. Ultra-Orthodox parties are also bracing for battles over voter turnout and coalition demands. Shas leader Aryeh Deri has conditioned joining any future government on legalizing the status of yeshiva students, while United Torah Judaism faces internal tensions and boycott threats from certain Hasidic factions.