Small right-wing parties denounce pressure from Netanyahu's allies to abandon the race

Two small right-wing parties in Israel have reported pressure from allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw from the electoral race. Moti Leitner, leader of the Haredi Public party, condemned threats from major ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, asserting he will not withdraw from the elections scheduled for October 27. Ofel Winter, leader of the People of Israel party, accused Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of pressuring his party to abstain from the elections. Winter emphasized his commitment to his principles and stated he would not oppose Netanyahu but would seek conditions for support in a potential coalition. Current polls indicate a tight race between Netanyahu's Likud and Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar! party, highlighting the importance of alliances in securing a majority in the Knesset.