Netanyahu demands of Winter, Maoz and Feiglin: 'Unite with existing parties or back out'

Assessment

Netanyahu is publicly pressuring right-wing political figures to consolidate rather than run independently, a move that reveals his concern about vote fragmentation in the upcoming election. By demanding Winter, Maoz, and Feiglin either merge with established parties or withdraw, he is trying to prevent small slates from siphoning support from his base. The direct ultimatum at a regional council event signals this is not a private negotiation but a public power play. Watch whether any of these figures comply or whether the threat backfires and hardens their resolve to run separately.