Netanyahu's big reelection concern isn't his political rivals. It's some of his biggest supporters
A man takes a selfie with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the Likud party primary elections ahead of Israel's general election in October, in Jerusalem, Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg, Pool)
JERUSALEM (AP) — As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks reelection, his main concern these days isn’t his political rivals. It’s some of his biggest supporters.
A series of small, pro-Netanyahu parties are competing in the run-up to the Oct. 27 vote. But instead of strengthening the Israeli leader, these parties — including hard-line blocs led by polarizing Cabinet ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich — risk weakening his chances for reelection by splitting the vote among Netanyahu’s base.
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