Israeli Elections
As right-wing parties in the Knesset seek to unite ahead of Israel’s upcoming elections in April, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu postponed a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
The religious Zionist Jewish Home and National Union parties have agreed to run with the staunch nationalist Otzma Yehudit Party in an effort to form a strong right-wing bloc for the upcoming elections.
Still adrift after being kicked out of the Zionist Union, Hatnua leader Tzipi Livni announces her departure from politics less than a week before the deadline to submit final Knesset lists • Livni: “I am leaving politics, but not the hope for peace.”
Channel 12 predicts 30 seats for Likud, 18 for Israel Resilience, 12 for Yesh Atid • Labor gains after primaries, jumps to 10 seats • Seven seats projected for New Right and Ta’al Arab Party • Habayit Hayehudi-National Union hover at minimum threshold.
Histadrut labor federation chairman Avi Nissankoren joins Israel Resilience Party list • In an apparent effort to save face should talks on merger fail, Yesh Atid says “clarifications” are needed from Israel Resilience on party’s policies on core issues.
When asked who they thought was the best candidate to serve as prime minister, 46 percent of respondents picked Benjamin Netanyahu, compared to 36 percent who said Benny Gantz.
It could mean salvation for both parties, which are making poor showings in polls • Meretz leader Tamar Zandberg may step down to let a Labor MK or an outside candidate head joint list • Talks to kick into high gear after the Meretz Party primaries.
The announcement does not obligate Shas to appoint any female candidates to its electoral lists, but will open the door to the possibility.
With party polling at a historic low, 44 candidates are vying for the chance to make it to the Knesset by winning a spot high on the list.
Israel Hayom obtains internal Yesh Atid poll that sounded out members about a possible joint run with Kulanu • Israel Resilience denies partner Moshe Ya’alon “shopped around” for parties before joining Benny Gantz • Kulanu: “We are running on our own.”
New poll shows that a Yesh Atid-Israel Resilience Party joint ticket would win 35 seats, giving the center-left a real shot at forming a government • Seven right-wing parties may not win enough votes to enter Knesset unless they unite.
Gabi Ashkenazi tells activists demonstrating outside his home that he agrees that the center-left must unite and will make a decision about entering politics in a few days.
