Otzma Yehudit Positions to Attract Disaffected Likud and Shas Voters Ahead of Election

Otzma Yehudit is gearing up to appeal to dissatisfied voters from Likud and segments of the Shas electorate, while also launching a campaign opposing the formation of a “broad government” following the election.

The party aims to attract a diverse coalition including haredim (ultra-Orthodox), religious, traditional, and secular Israelis, as well as combat soldiers. Party officials state, “Anyone whose heart is on the right side of the political map is welcome to join us.”

Drawing on lessons from recent elections, Otzma Yehudit sees an opportunity to capture right-wing voters who previously hesitated to support parties at risk of failing to cross the electoral threshold.

Simultaneously, the party is preparing a public campaign against a potential alliance with centrist and center-left parties, advocating instead for a “fully right-wing government.” Initially communicated through briefings, this strategy seeks to intensify debate within the Right regarding post-election government formation.

Otzma Yehudit estimates significant opposition to a broad government among Likud MKs and members, suggesting this campaign could exert internal pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This dynamic is fueled by dissatisfaction among Likud’s right wing and the sidelining of several prominent figures, creating an opening for right-wing parties to attract their voters.

Political analysts estimate this potential voter pool could yield several Knesset seats, though precise quantification awaits updated polling data. A newly formed party led by Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter is also competing for this electorate.

Before Likud’s primaries, National Security Minister and Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir reported that eight senior Likud figures—four ministers and four MKs—sought to join his party. He noted, “They see Otzma’s polls, they saw how strong we are, and they wanted to join.” Ben-Gvir added, “Likud is Likud, Otzma is Otzma. I wish them success in Likud.”

Subsequently, MK Tally Gotliv claimed on Radio North 104.5FM that Netanyahu told Itamar Ben-Gvir during a conversation that he could give up anyone but would not release Gotliv. A poll conducted around the prime minister reportedly concluded that Gotliv was “worth five seats.”

‘a fully right-wing government’

The messaging is being delivered through initial briefings, with a broader public campaign anticipated to oppose centrist and center-left partnerships and promote a “fully right-wing government.”

The party believes substantial resistance to a broad government exists within Likud, and their campaign may amplify internal pressure on Netanyahu. This development occurs amid discontent among some of Likud’s right-wing voters following the primaries.

The exclusion of several right-wing Likud figures, combined with discussions about forming a broad government, has created an opening for other right-wing parties to draw these voters.

Assessments suggest the potential voter pool amounts to several Knesset seats, though precise measurement awaits new polling data. The party founded by Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter is also vying for this same electorate.

Even prior to the Likud primaries, National Security Minister and Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that eight senior Likud officials—four ministers and four MKs—had approached him requesting spots on the party’s list. He reported, “They see Otzma’s polls, they saw how strong we are, and they wanted to join.”

Ben-Gvir clarified: “Likud is Likud, Otzma is Otzma. I wish them success in Likud.”

Later, MK Tally Gotliv told Radio North 104.5FM that “there was a conversation between Itamar and Netanyahu in which he asked the prime minister to give up Gotliv. The prime minister said he could [give up] anyone, but he would not give up Gotliv. When they conducted a poll around the prime minister, they reached the conclusion that I’m worth five seats.”

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