Binyamin Netanyahu seeks OK merger of Israeli parties Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem Oct. 21, 2012. UPI/Lior Mizrahi/Pool JERUSALEM, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's leadership will be tested as he seeks approval to merge his Likud Party with Israel Beitenu, observers said. Netanyahu hoped to receive approval Monday at a Likud Central Committee meeting amid fierce opposition from Likud members, Israeli media reports said. The merger was expected to be approved despite the opposition, the Hebrew daily Maariv said. The meeting occurs just days after Netanyahu -- at a joint news conference with Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, head of Israel Beitenu -- announced plans to merge the two parties to create a super bloc in elections early next year. On Sunday, Netanyahu sent a recorded message to committee members stating the merger "leaves Likud as an independent party that will continue in its path protecting Israeli security, the land of Israel and Jewish tradition," The Jerusalem Post reported. The elections to form Israel's next government will be conducted Jan. 22, 2013.