Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday appealed to Likud Central Committee members ahead of Monday's vote on the joint Likud-Yisrael Beytenu list, as Government Services Minister Michael Eitan worked to stop the merger.
In a pre-recorded message sent to the committee members, Netanyahu said the proposed venture "leaves Likud as an independent party that will continue in its path protecting Israeli security, the Land of Israel and Jewish tradition."
"Running together on one slip of paper will ensure the Likud continues to powerfully lead the State of Israel," he added. "Let's vote in favor, because the State of Israel needs a strong Likud."