Israeli Candidates Launch Final Push Before Knesset Elections

Polling stations opened on October 27 for the 26th Knesset elections following a final surge of campaign activity. Benjamin Netanyahu and other right-wing ministers visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem, where Netanyahu left a prayer for IDF soldiers and victory. During a media appearance on the IETV channel, Netanyahu responded to questions about the lack of Ethiopian representation on the Likud slate by claiming he was an Ethiopian candidate himself.

Behind the scenes, Netanyahu attempted to protect the right-wing bloc by persuading Ofer Winter, chairman of the Amcha Yisrael party, to withdraw from the race. Netanyahu approached Rabbi Benayahu Shmueli and associates contacted Kabbalist David Abuhatzeira to influence Winter, fearing an independent candidacy would drain votes and allow a left-wing government to form. Both religious leaders rebuffed the requests, with Rabbi Abuhatzeira privately supporting Winter as a wave of hope for the right.

Opposition leaders focused on grassroots outreach in Tel Aviv and other cities. Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot and B’Yachad leader Naftali Bennett rallied supporters at bars in Tel Aviv, while Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman met with activists in Modiin to mobilize voters. Other activities included National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visiting the Temple Mount and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich holding a summit in Rishon Lezion.