Skip to main content

Blue and White's nightmare scenario: Saar defeating Netanyahu

The Blue and White party needs Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a rival, or else it would loose its energy.

RTX7A92D.jpg
Likud party member Gideon Saar smiles as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walks nearby after addressing members of his right-wing party bloc at a conference in Tel Aviv, Israel, Nov. 17, 2019. — REUTERS/Nir Elias

Despite his precisely targeted campaign and some unexpected support, the chances of Gideon Saar engineering a surprise defeat of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Dec. 26 primaries for the Likud party leadership are still considered modest. Netanyahu is campaigning intensely and enjoys strong support among party members, even if some of them realize this is the end of an era.

But as strange as it sounds, not only Netanyahu’s close associates and sworn fans are praying for his victory; so are his political rivals, especially leaders of the opposition Blue and White party. A resounding Netanyahu defeat with Saar assuming the party leadership and candidacy for prime minister would deal Blue and White a strategic blow.

Related Topics

Subscribe for unlimited access

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more

$14 monthly or $100 annually ($8.33/month)
OR

Continue reading this article for free

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more.

By signing up, you agree to Al-Monitor’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Already have an account? Log in