Tzipi Hotovely
Tzipi HotovelyMiriam Alster/Flash 90

Deputy Transportation Minister Tzipi Hotovely (Likud) said Thursday she is convinced the recent slew of polls indicating that the new unification of Labor and Hatnua will edge out Likud for the most votes in March 17 elections will positively affect the right-wing public.

"Everyone understands that these elections are focusing on the question of what bloc will lead the country, left versus right, Binyamin Netanyahu versus (Yitzhak) Herzog and (Tzipi) Livni," said Hotovely.

One recent poll, with results supported by other surveys, found the new Labor would receive 23 mandates as opposed to 21 for Likud.

"The recent polls will wake up all of the national and social right-wing in the country to unify behind a government led by the Likud and Netanyahu," claimed Hotovely. "I'm certain that on March 17 we'll be able to lead the country with the true ability to govern and execute the will of the people. The rightist bloc will strengthen from the coming elections."

Hotovely's prediction of right-wing unity echoes statements by Netanyahu made on Thursday afternoon in a meeting with Likud activists at the party headquarters in Tel Aviv.

"The left has united us. Likud members have understood what the citizens have been seeing in the last few days – a huge and almost unprecedented public campaign is being waged against me, which supports and advances any politician in any party who opposes a Likud government under me," said Netanyahu.

He continued "elections this time deal with just one question - who will lead the country? A leader of the left which is growing or leadership under me? We know the answer. A wide and strong Likud government under me will rule and lead the state of Israel responsibly and firmly."