Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is growing increasingly concerned regarding the Otzma Yehudit and Zehut parties, both running on their own as they failed to reach agreement to unite with one of the larger parties. In fact, in an interview with Moti Tuchfeld of the Yisrael Hayom newspaper, the Prime Minister stated the small parties which did not receive enough votes in the last election wasted seven mandates. This includes the two parties mentioned along with the New Right party, which is now a part of the URWP for the sake of the upcoming election for 22nd Knesset.

According to a News13 report on Tuesday evening, Mr. Netanyahu has called on Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party, to drop out of the election for the good of the right-wing, fearing that Feiglin’s party will once again fail to enter Knesset and those votes will be trashed. All polls to date indicate Feiglin will not break the 2% mark, when 3.5% of the popular vote is required to enter Knesset.

According to the report, Mr. Netanyahu offered to cover all of Zehut’s debts, now amounting to over NIS 3 million, as well as a future meeting during which possible positions will be discussed, clearly hinting at a position for Feiglin, a former member of Likud. Feiglin responded, “Instead of fighting with me, come and assist me to pass the minimum election threshold”.

Persons close to Netanyahu advise him to assist Feiglin do just that, pass the minimum threshold. According to them, liberal voters voting for Feiglin will not vote for the Likud party. Feiglin also advised them to establish a unit to address the Russian tzibur ahead of elections.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)