Leaders of approximately 10 small right-wing parties and political movements are expected to meet Tuesday to discuss joining forces in a single electoral framework that would challenge the current government from the right, a development that could complicate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans ahead of the coming election.
According to a report by Kan News on Reshet Bet, the gathering is scheduled to take place at the home of Nissim Louk, the father of Shani Louk Hy”d, who was murdered at the Nova music festival during the October 7 massacre. Participants are expected to explore the possibility of creating a unified political slate.
The meeting, which organizers reportedly sought to keep under wraps, could present a new concern for Netanyahu. The prime minister has been wary of smaller parties running independently and failing to cross the electoral threshold, potentially costing the right-wing bloc crucial votes.
Among those invited are Zehut chairman Moshe Feiglin, Economic Party chairman Yaron Zelekha, Dedi Simchi, Yair Ansbacher, Gilad Ach, chairman of the reservists’ movement Dor Hanitzachon, Matan Yaffe of El Hadegel, and former Knesset member Gadi Yevarkan, who heads the Beit Yisrael party representing Israelis of Ethiopian descent. Several other small-party leaders have also reportedly been invited.
The discussions come amid a broader flurry of political maneuvering ahead of the election. Benny Gantz and Gilad Erdan are reportedly engaged in advanced negotiations over a technical electoral alliance in which Gantz would head the slate and Erdan would take the No. 2 position.
Those talks have also included the possibility of bringing Zelekha into the alliance in the third slot, although Gantz is reportedly opposed to that proposal.
Separately, negotiations are underway with Ayelet Shaked, who is demanding the No. 2 position as well as spots for her political allies. As part of those discussions, however, Shaked is reportedly being asked to commit that she would not participate in the formation of a narrow government.
{Matzav.com}
