With less than a month to go before Israelis head to the polls, the two major parties are intensifying their attacks.
Likud is driving home the message that the newly formed Blue and White bloc of parties is just another left-wing party, while Blue and White chief Benny Gantz is doubling down on his efforts to rally the "anyone but Netanyahu" camp.
At a Likud faction meeting on Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that that the thought of Blue and White forming a new government "is chilling" because Co-Chairman Yair Lapid would become prime minister.
Netanyahu was referring to the understanding between Gantz and Lapid that they would serve as prime minister on a rotating basis if they form a government, although such an agreement cannot be implemented without the Knesset's approval.
Netanyahu continued and said that the "Lapid-Gantz party is a left-wing party that pretends to be right wing" and predicted that once right-wing voters realize that "Lapid and Gantz are relying on Meretz and the Arab parties" they will flock back to Likud.
He urged party members to drive home this message so that "we can form another right-wing government" after the election. "There is no other way – only a big Likud would prevent a left-wing government."
Meanwhile, Gantz campaigned in Beersheba on Monday and attacked Netanyahu for trying to falsely portray himself as a victim because of the attorney general's recent letter in which he announced a possible indictment for corruption. "Netanyahu is busy being a victim, but Mr. Netanyahu – you are no victim, you brought it on yourself," he said.
