One-Third of Israeli Voters Undecided as Likud Splits on Election Eve

Israelis are preparing to cast ballots on October 27, a date that allows the current government to complete its full term. As the voting deadline approaches, members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party remain divided over their chances of winning.

A Likud source stated that the party is split between those who feel confident in victory and those who fear a strong turnout effort by opposition voters. The source attributed the optimism of the confident faction to the internal polling led by Shlomo Filber. The source described the stakes for Filber's predictions with stark clarity: "Either Momo comes out a king, or Momo goes home. It's one or the other."

Party sources pointed to a coordinated effort by nonprofit organizations as a primary cause for concern. These groups are reportedly directing large sums of money toward mobilizing voters in the rival camp. The activities include social media campaigns, physical signs, field events, and transportation services for Arab voters. The sources also noted efforts to bring Israelis living abroad home to vote. One Likud member described the scale of this activity as "the nonprofits affair on steroids," arguing that the groups provide a support network that exists outside standard party financing rules.

Likud officials have also criticized the Central Elections Committee for its enforcement priorities. The party claims the committee focused heavily on limiting campaign videos and the use of public resources while paying too little attention to the work of these outside organizations. The party sources did not provide documentation for the specific funding amounts cited or for the claim that the external activity was illegal.

In response to the opposition efforts, Likud is organizing a large ground operation for Election Day. The party is focusing on preventing right-wing votes from drifting to smaller slates, despite restrictions on gathering information from polling stations. Likud also attempted to persuade Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter, the leader of the People of Israel party, to drop out of the race. Those talks failed, and Winter remains in the contest. After the discussions, Rabbi Eli Sadan issued a statement supporting Winter.

Likud is simultaneously courting the backers of other right-wing lists, including the joint ticket of Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelekha. The Ahi party, led by Rabbi Abergel, has already withdrawn from the race following talks with Likud. During those negotiations, the parties discussed legislation that would allow the Ahi party to name a deputy minister. A survey published just days before the vote found that nearly one-third of Israeli voters had not yet decided for whom they would vote.