TV: Confidence high in ultra-Orthodox parties; concerns mounting in Labor and Meretz

Less than two hours before the polling stations close, Channel 12 TV’s political reporters and analysts indicate there is quiet satisfaction among the leaders of the two ultra-Orthodox parties, allied with Benjamin Netanyahu, and concern in Labor and Meretz circles regarding the results of the election.

“There is growing concern” in both Meretz and Labor over being able to clear the 3.25% threshold, reporter Daphna Liel says — a worry that has deepened during the day because the overall high turnout means that more votes will be needed for parties to make it back into the Knesset. She says there is disappointment that Prime Minister Yair Lapid didn’t encourage supporters of his bloc to help Labor and Meretz with a tactical vote, and “for the first time, real anger in Labor” with its leader Merav Michaeli, for ostensible overconfidence in the run-up to polling day.

Yair Sherki, who covers the ultra-Orthodox Shas and United Torah Judaism parties, says he can’t remember “so calm” an election campaign — “with so much self-confidence regarding the results.”