One-Third of Israeli Voters Remain Undecided Ahead of Tuesday Vote

Nearly one-third of Israeli voters were still undecided in a survey published days before the October 27 election. The vote will determine the fate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which has served out its full term. As the date approaches, internal divisions within Likud have emerged over the party's chances.

A Likud source described the split among party members. Some are confident in victory based on internal polling by Shlomo Filber, who runs the party's data operations. Others fear a surge in turnout among voters opposed to Netanyahu. The source noted that confidence levels vary, stating that Filber's forecasts suggest either a decisive win or a loss.

Concerns stem from a coordinated effort by nonprofits and organizations in the rival camp. Party sources said these groups directed large sums to mobilize voters without direct party funding. The campaign included social media pushes, physical signage, and field events. It also featured rides for Arab voters and efforts to bring Israelis living abroad home to cast ballots. One source called it a 'nonprofits affair on steroids,' arguing the groups bypass party financing rules.

Likud criticized the Central Elections Committee for focusing on campaign video limits and public resource use. The party claimed the committee paid too little attention to the activities of these external organizations. However, sources did not provide documentation for the funding amounts or proof that the activity was illegal. Despite this, the party is preparing a large ground operation for Election Day to prevent right-wing votes from drifting to smaller slates.

Efforts to consolidate the right wing have yielded mixed results. Attempts to convince Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter to drop out failed. Winter, a former commander of the Givati Brigade, leads the People of Israel party. Talks involved Rabbi Eli Sadan, who issued a statement supporting Winter's continued candidacy. Likud is also courting backers of other lists, including the joint ticket of Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelekha. Rabbi Abergel's Ahi party has already withdrawn from the race following discussions with Likud.

During those discussions, the possibility of legislation allowing the Ahi party to name a deputy minister was raised. The party’s exit removes one competitor from the field. Likud’s strategy now focuses on maintaining a unified right-wing bloc to counter the opposition's turnout drive. The election is scheduled for Tuesday, with results expected to reflect the current state of voter indecision.