Itamar Ben Gvir Rejects Netanyahu’s Call to Unite with Smotrich for Right-Wing Coalition

Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister, responded sharply to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s call for a political alliance with Bezalel Smotrich. In a video released shortly after Netanyahu’s appeal, Ben Gvir rejected the proposal to unite under a joint list, accusing Netanyahu of wanting a small Otzma Yehudit party to facilitate a broad national government with Benny Gantz. Ben Gvir insisted that only a large Otzma Yehudit combined with Smotrich and Yoav Winter together could form a fully right-wing government.

Netanyahu had urged Ben Gvir and Smotrich to overcome personal differences and unite, warning that division among right-wing parties risks repeating the 1992 election failure when multiple right-wing factions failed to pass the electoral threshold, enabling left-wing victories and ongoing security challenges. Netanyahu emphasized that unity is what the public expects and announced plans to meet with both leaders soon to push for a joint list.

Ben Gvir’s rejection highlights ongoing tensions within the right-wing bloc ahead of upcoming elections, with Netanyahu seeking to consolidate the right to maximize electoral success, while Ben Gvir demands a stronger Otzma Yehudit presence rather than a diminished role in a broader coalition.