Winter privately met with Netanyahu despite pledging independent run, N12 reports

Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting challenges as allegations of ballot tampering resurface in the Likud party’s internal elections, echoing the turmoil that led to his downfall in 1992. According to reports from The Times of Israel, claims of stolen ballots in the Likud primary have sparked fears of deepening factional strife within the party. These accusations, combined with Netanyahu’s growing anxiety over potential splits among right-wing groups, have drawn comparisons to the political chaos that culminated in his loss of leadership in 1992. The situation has intensified amid ongoing disputes over the final placement of candidates on the Likud list. A recount in Be’er Ya’akov revealed that Eti Atiya was placed 25th, pushing Minister Gila Gamliel down to 35th, a position deemed unlikely to secure a seat in the Knesset. Gamliel has since filed a legal challenge, accusing Haim Katz of attempting to manipulate the results in favor of Atiya. Katz, in turn, accused Gamliel and her allies of spreading false information, claiming their actions threatened the party’s chances in the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, tensions have flared around Ofer Winter, the leader of the People of Israel party. Despite publicly stating he would not run under existing politicians, Winter reportedly met with Netanyahu privately before officially launching his party. According to The Jerusalem Post, Netanyahu extended an offer to Winter, proposing a reserved spot on the Likud list and additional positions on the party’s slate. Winter declined the offer and instead established his own party, though he soon endorsed Netanyahu for prime minister, despite earlier statements indicating he intended to run independently. This inconsistency has prompted scrutiny, particularly after Yair Netanyahu and other associates pressured Winter to clarify his stance, suggesting he might support Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avi Livni or even former Interior Minister Aryeh Deri. The political landscape is further complicated by merger discussions involving several parties struggling to cross the electoral threshold. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Zehut party chairman Moshe Feiglin are reportedly in advanced talks for a potential merger, which could see Feiglin securing the second position on the new party’s list. Such a move would help Smotrich’s party avoid disqualification, as current polls suggest they may fall short as an independent entity. Similarly, talks are underway between Gilad Erdan, Benny Gantz, and Chili Tropper, all of whom are currently below the electoral threshold. If successful, these mergers could reshape the balance of power in the next Knesset. In addition to these developments, the likelihood of a recount in the Likud primary continues to cast doubt over the integrity of the party’s candidate selection process. With just nine days remaining until the deadline for submitting party lists, the political stakes have never been higher. The outcome of these internal battles will likely determine the composition of the next government and the stability of Netanyahu’s coalition. As the clock ticks down toward the September 9 deadline, the Israeli electorate watches closely. The unfolding drama reflects the fragile state of Israeli politics, where personal rivalries and strategic alliances can shift rapidly. Whether this period marks another turning point or merely another chapter in the country’s turbulent political history remains uncertain. For now, the focus remains on the immediate implications of these developments, as the nation prepares for its next electoral test.