Full Breakdown
Davidi Ben Zion Withdraws from People of Israel Party Amid Pressure Campaign
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Candidate Withdrawal and Immediate Context
Davidi Ben Zion, a candidate on Ofer Winter’s People of Israel list, announced his withdrawal two weeks before the October 27, 2026 Knesset election.
Background & Context: Right-wing Bloc and the Electoral Threshold
People of Israel, a small right-wing party led by former IDF commander Ofer Winter, has struggled to clear the 3.25 % electoral threshold. Analysts warned that failure to pass the threshold would siphon votes from the broader right-wing bloc, potentially enabling a left-leaning coalition. Party insiders had signaled openness to a unity government that might include Gadi Eisenkot, but the pressure surrounding Ben Zion’s candidacy heightened concerns about vote fragmentation.
Data & Statistics: Poll Snapshot
- People of Israel recorded 3.1 % in the latest i24NEWS/Direct Polls survey, below the threshold.
- The poll projected Likud at 27 seats, Eisenkot’s Yashar party 21 seats, and Naftali Bennett’s B’Yachad 13 seats.
- The right-wing coalition (Likud, Yashar, B’Yachad, Otzma Yehudit, Religious Zionism, Zehut) was projected at 57 seats, short of the 61 needed for a majority.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Ben Zion’s decision as “important,” urging other People of Israel candidates to follow suit. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the move “courageous” and framed it as a “national responsibility” to prevent a left-wing government.
Ofer Winter condemned the campaign that targeted his candidates, calling it “a disgraceful, low campaign” that subjected Ben Zion’s family to “relentless pressure.” He said the party seeks a “new, clean path” and warned that personal attacks undermine right-wing unity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A month and a half ago, I joined People of Israel out of a sense of mission and humility. Ofer Winter is a true right-winger, a fighter and a commander who has dedicated his life to Israel's security and does not apologize for what he believes in.” — Ben Zion
- “I call on the other members of the list to act similarly to ensure a victory for the right," Netanyahu said.” — Benjamin Netanyahu
What's Next: Upcoming Election
The October 27, 2026 election will determine whether the right-wing bloc can maintain a governing majority without the People of Israel party’s contribution. Analysts will watch the final vote tallies to assess the impact of Ben Zion’s withdrawal on the overall right-wing seat count.