With his eye on reelection, Israel’s Netanyahu turns his focus to his divided base

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is fixated on his reelection campaign, shifting his attention away from his political rivals. Instead, his primary focus is on the divided support base within his Likud party. The situation is further complicated by the emergence of several pro-Netanyahu parties that are vying for influence in the lead-up to the October 27 election.

While the parties aim to bolster Netanyahu's chances, their presence may paradoxically undermine his prospects by splintering the vote among his supporters. The election represents a referendum on Netanyahu's 17-year tenure and his leadership during a tumultuous period that includes mass protests, the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and a prolonged conflict.

A successful outcome could be a significant political comeback for the embattled leader, while a defeat may signal the end of an era, as Netanyahu has dominated Israeli politics for three decades. Amid these challenges, Netanyahu is urging his allies to consolidate into larger parties with a greater likelihood of securing parliamentary seats.

"When we unite, we win. When we split up, we lose," Netanyahu declared to Channel 14, a station often seen as a forum for his messaging. The complexities of Israeli electoral dynamics and the intricacies of coalition-building add layers to Netanyahu's predicament.