Netanyahu Urges Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to Unite Ahead of Elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to unite their political factions ahead of the upcoming elections. In a video released on Thursday, Netanyahu emphasized that when right-wing parties are united, they win, but when divided, they lose. He cited the 1992 elections as an example, where the right-wing vote was split among three parties, causing them to fall below the electoral threshold and lose to the left, leading to the Oslo Accords and subsequent security challenges.

Netanyahu acknowledged personal tensions between Ben-Gvir and Smotrich but stressed the importance of overcoming these differences for the sake of the right-wing bloc's success. He announced plans to invite both ministers for discussions soon and described unification as what the public expects and deserves.

Shortly after Netanyahu's video, Ben-Gvir responded with his own statement rejecting the proposal. He accused Netanyahu of wanting a smaller Otzma Yehudit party to facilitate forming a broad national government with Benny Gantz. Ben-Gvir insisted that only a large Otzma Yehudit combined with Smotrich and Winter could establish a truly right-wing government.

The exchange highlights ongoing negotiations and tensions within Israel's right-wing political camp as they prepare for the next election cycle, with Netanyahu pushing for consolidation to maximize electoral strength.