Netanyahu Urges Ben Gvir and Smotrich to Unite for Upcoming Elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on far-right politicians Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to run together in the upcoming elections. Netanyahu announced his intention to meet with both leaders soon to encourage their unification, emphasizing that their alliance is crucial for electoral success. "It is a must for Smotrich and Ben Gvir to unite," Netanyahu said in a video statement, noting that when right-wing factions have joined forces in the past, they have won, but when divided, they have lost.

Addressing personal tensions between the two, Netanyahu acknowledged existing grievances but stressed the need to overcome them for the greater good. He recalled the 1992 elections when the right-wing collectively had more votes than the left but lost because three right-wing parties failed to pass the electoral threshold. Netanyahu warned that a similar scenario could repeat, leading to disastrous consequences such as the Oslo Accords and the rise of Hamas.

He concluded by reiterating that unity on the right is essential to avoid repeating past mistakes and to meet public expectations. Netanyahu’s call reflects ongoing efforts to consolidate the right-wing bloc ahead of the elections to maximize their chances of victory.