Netivot Mayor Yehiel Zohar Brokers AHIM Withdrawal and Backs Likud
Netivot Mayor Yehiel Zohar helped broker the AHIM movement's withdrawal from the Knesset race to protect the right-wing bloc. Despite a recent political rift with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Zohar publicly urged residents to vote for Likud.
Netivot Mayor Yehiel Zohar played a central role in the negotiations that led to the AHIM movement's withdrawal from the Knesset race, despite recent tensions between him and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Over the past week, Zohar applied heavy pressure on movement members close to him to convince them to withdraw and prevent the waste of right-wing bloc votes. At a conference held on Saturday, the mayor called on Netivot residents to vote for Likud.
The talks were prompted by recent polls indicating that the AHIM movement would fail to cross the electoral threshold. Consequently, Zohar and former Chief Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar stepped in to broker an agreement between the movement and Likud. The negotiations culminated in an agreement under which AHIM announced its withdrawal from the election.
The Dispute with Netanyahu Over Netivot's Borders
Zohar's involvement in the maneuver is particularly striking given his strained relations with Netanyahu. The two were once close allies, but a rift developed in recent months, culminating two months ago when the mayor refused to receive the prime minister during a visit to the south.
Following Zohar's refusal, Netanyahu canceled his planned visit to Netivot and proceeded to other communities in the region. The incident highlighted the depth of the rupture between the two, who previously cooperated closely within Likud.
According to Zohar's associates, the dispute stems from delays by government ministers in signing decisions required to advance border modifications between Netivot and the Sdot Negev Regional Council. They claim that although the relevant committee approved the land transfer, the necessary signatures remain pending. This issue provoked the mayor's anger and overshadowed his relationship with Netanyahu.
Zohar is considered one of the most influential figures in Likud and a major powerhouse in party membership recruitment. Over the years, he has been close to Netanyahu, earning the moniker "the strongman of Likud" due to his influence over registered members and internal party primaries.
Despite the Rift, Zohar Urges Residents to Vote for Likud
Despite his dispute with the prime minister, Zohar mobilized to support Likud's political effort. At Saturday's conference, attended by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Minister Eli Cohen, the mayor urged Netivot residents to vote for Likud to prevent the loss of right-wing governance.
Zohar's public appeal, alongside his involvement in negotiations with AHIM, demonstrates that despite personal and political friction with Netanyahu, he continues working to strengthen Likud ahead of the elections.
