Sourced fact
The News
According to The Times of Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised “Almog Cohen,” describing him as a “warrior,” and confirmed waiving civil service tenure requirements to allow the newly minted Likud member to run on the party’s list. Furthermore, Olympic athlete Oren Smadja joined Erdan’s party.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
From an analytical perspective, this development represents a significant political shift in the constantly evolving Israeli landscape. Netanyahu opening the door to “Almog Cohen,” who was previously a member of the Otzma Yehudit party, reflects a persistent desire from the far-right wing of the Likud party to infiltrate within the dominant Likud party, the one currently led by figures like Netanyahu. These movements often constitute part of broader strategies aimed at shifting political power balances within Israel and undermining the relative influence of the Otzma Yehudit party after it had experienced difficulties in recent elections.
In a wider context, this development also demonstrates the flexibility and political breadth of Netanyahu, who consistently seeks to reassemble support from various political factions to ensure his continued tenure in power. It also reflects the ongoing conflict between the far-right and moderate wings within Israeli society over issues such as national security, relations with Palestinians, and Israeli sovereignty. The inclusion of figures like Smadja, who enjoys a good reputation in sports, on Erdan's list likely aims to broaden the base of support and reinforce the party’s conservative orientations.
