Israel, Aug 18 (V7N) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified political consultations amid preparations for potential national elections later this year, according to the Times of Israel.

Citing sources close to Netanyahu, the report said the prime minister is exploring ways to maintain his coalition if it collapses in October after the Knesset recess. Efforts are focused on uniting right-wing parties, including Itamar Ben-Gavir’s Otzma Yehudit, Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism, and Avigdor Lieberman’s Noam, to run together as they did in 2022.

Netanyahu is also considering forming a new satellite party to attract right-wing voters hesitant to support Likud directly. Discussions reportedly included a potential merger with Gideon Sa’ar’s "New Hope" party while ensuring Netanyahu’s continued control over Likud’s internal structure.

Source: Times of Israel

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