Likud to Ben-Gvir: stop bluffing, you'll pass threshold

On the morning of election day, Likud published a message aimed squarely at Otzma Yehudit chairman Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. "Itamar, how many times will you repeat the bluff?" the statement read. "You're going to pass the threshold in any case, you'll be part of our strong right-wing government led by Netanyahu, and we'll continue working together for the State of Israel."

The appeal comes as polls show a tight race between the blocs. Likud is trying to convince right-wing voters that a vote for smaller parties could endanger Netanyahu's ability to form a government, and is directing the message especially at Ben-Gvir's supporters.

The statement goes on to warn of a scenario in which Likud loses a single seat to Gadi Eisenkot. "One seat more or less won't change anything for you," it says, "but if Eisenkot has one seat more than Likud, the president will assign him the task of forming a government, and we'll get a government of tears for generations."

The message ends with a clear call: "Vote Machal", the Hebrew acronym for Mifleget HaCherut LeYisrael–Likud. It is a strategy Likud has employed for several election cycles, attempting to prevent vote-splitting among right-wing voters.

Ben-Gvir himself arrived this morning at a polling station in Kiryat Arba together with his wife Ayala, and called on right-wing voters to turn out. "This is a very important day, and with Hashem's help we can do it --- we can win," he said after casting his ballot. "If the other side forms a government, it will be Mansour Abbas's government."

Benjamin Netanyahu (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)

The tension between Likud and the smaller right-wing parties is not new. Likud minister Amichai Shikli also addressed the issue in an interview with Radio 103FM, warning of lost votes to parties that may not pass the threshold. "As a graduate of HaYamin HeChadash, we're seeing a scenario in which there's a 99% chance of losing tens of thousands of votes," Shikli claimed, referring to the Amcha Yisrael party led by Ofer Winter.

Journalist Yaara Shapira presented data showing a gap in willingness to vote between coalition and opposition supporters, with 80% of opposition supporters saying they would definitely reach the polls, compared to 75% of coalition supporters.

The polls close tonight at 10:00 PM.