Netanyahu Braces for Elections Testing Far Right Unity and Secret Satellite Party
After coalition cracks PM seeks to bring Ben Gvir Smotrich and Maoz back together while probing a new party fronted by security figures
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified private political meetings in recent weeks as he braces for the possibility of early elections, political sources told Israeli media. While Netanyahu has no interest in forcing snap polls now, the collapse of his coalition’s stability, especially following the withdrawal of the ultra-Orthodox parties, has accelerated contingency planning inside Likud.
Uniting the Far Right
At the top of Netanyahu’s list is the delicate task of reuniting Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich with Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir, despite deep personal hostilities between them. Netanyahu is also worried about Avi Maoz’s Noam party, which risks wasting right-wing votes.
In past elections, Netanyahu offered “reserved slots” on Likud’s list to incentivize alliances, such as when MK Ofir Sofer was integrated as part of the Religious Zionism–Otzma Yehudit merger. This time, insiders say, it may prove harder: Likud lawmakers fear their own slots shrinking in the next Knesset due to weaker polling.
Considering a Satellite Party
Another option Netanyahu is testing is the creation of a satellite party aimed at right-wing voters reluctant to support Likud, Smotrich, or Ben Gvir. Such a party could siphon votes back from Avigdor Liberman and Naftali Bennett.
According to leaked survey data, potential figures considered to head such a list included former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, retired general Ofer Winter, and former police commander Dedi Simchi. But early polls suggest none of them deliver meaningful electoral gains.
Reshaping Likud from Within
Beyond managing the bloc, Netanyahu is maneuvering internally. He recently advanced the merger with Gideon Sa’ar’s party, promising a reserved Likud slot to one of Sa’ar’s allies.
He is also working to prevent the convening of the Likud Party Conference, where new central committee members could dilute his power. Netanyahu’s allies are exploring whether the holding of primaries for the national election could serve as grounds to delay or cancel the conference. Veteran Likud activists, however, argue that precedent shows this is not a valid excuse.
Likud’s spokesperson issued a statement distancing Netanyahu from election talk: “The Prime Minister is focused on Israel’s security reality, defeating Hamas, and bringing all the hostages home.”