Opposition leader MK Yitzhak Herzog (Labor) is confident that he will be Israel’s next Prime Minister.
“I think today it is clear that I present an alternative to [Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu],” Herzog told Channel 10 News on Saturday, amid speculations that early elections are coming.
“I believe I’ll lead the next government. With the correct combination of a centrist bloc, I can come to the president and form the next government,” he added.
When asked how his words are consistent with recent polls showing his party will not win many seats, Herzog said that he is convinced that things will look different after the elections.
“I and the members of the party are sowing many seeds and we will see the fruits in the elections,” he declared.
Herzog called on Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid, Hatnua chairwoman Tzipi Livni and Kadima chairman Shaul Mofaz to join him to create such a centrist bloc.
“Let us join hands in order to present a real alternative in the elections,” he said.
Netanyahu and the parties in his coalition have been at odds over several issues, the latest being the controversial Jewish State Law, which passed a Cabinet vote this week but which Lapid and Livni are opposed to and have threatened to vote against when it comes to a vote in the Knesset.
Previous spats revolved around the 2015 state budget and Lapid’s 0% VAT law, which Netanyahu has tried to shelve.
The never-ending disagreements have led to speculations that Netanyahu might dissolve the Knesset or form some sort of alliance with the hareidi parties.
Netanyahu’s associates said Saturday night that he is close to making a decision regarding elections and is leaning towards early elections.