Bibi, Hamas at center of new Likud campaign slogan
Likud's new slogan: Strong against Hamas
Hamas victory expected to boost support for Netanyahu; Likud decides old campaign slogan a failure
Hamas' victory in the PA election has shaken the Israeli political and diplomatic arena. Likud activists keenly watched for the results, knowing that a Hamas victory or even a significant boost in the group's power would bring security issues to fore and in turn boost the standing of Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Likud is now set to replace its failing campaigns slogan, "Kadima (forward) to the '67 border," with the slogan: "Strong against Hamas - Benjamin Netanyahu."
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Likud members admit the old slogan did not convey the desire message and have therefore chosen the new slogan, hoping to exploit the coming of Hamas to power in Netanyahu's favor.
Encouraging polls
The new slogan was selected in the wake of polls that found most members of the public were concerned by Hamas' ascension to power.
The survey also found that Netanyahu is perceived as a stronger candidate than Peretz and Olmert, and seen as a candidate who could better defend Israel's interests.
In addition, the Likud polls found that most of the public was opposed to a unilateral withdrawal from the West Bank, in accordance with Likud policy and in opposition to the stance of Kadima and Labor.
Polls in the wake of Hamas' victory show Likud has gained strength, and should Hamas return to terrorist attacks, Likud is expected to receive another boost.
