Is one of the main considerations delaying the completion of the merger between Likud and New Hope the fear of a scenario in which some members of the faction will split from it, along with the parties' funding?
According to a report in Israel Hayom, the political establishment estimates that the Likud is concerned about a scenario in which MKs affiliated with the liberal camp in both parties, including Yuli Edelstein, Sharan Haskel, Dan Illoz and others, will take advantage of the window of opportunity that will be created following the merger and establish independent political frameworks. Such a move could deprive the Likud of significant funding units, propaganda minutes and organizational resources ahead of a future election campaign.
Likud estimates that in such a case, some members of the faction might resign and negotiate a merger with another list. This way, they could bring with them a "dowry" of party funding worth millions, something new parties desperately need.
The greater the number of Knesset members who choose to retire within the framework of the arrangement established by law, the greater the scope of resources that will leave the Likud and pass into the hands of the new factions.
Senior Likud officials clarified in a conversation with Israel Hayom that in any case there is no intention to completely back out of the party merger, and in the event that it is decided not to carry out the merger, Likud will approve a joint run with Gideon Sa'ar's party.
