Netanyahu Urges Ben Gvir to Unite Right-Wing Lists to Strengthen Bloc

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded on Thursday to a video posted by Itamar Ben Gvir rejecting a proposed alliance with Bezalel Smotrich. Netanyahu pressed Ben Gvir to unite their right-wing factions, arguing that a joint list would create a stronger party and bolster the right-wing bloc. "Ben Gvir, don’t weaken the right. I didn’t understand your video," Netanyahu wrote, addressing Ben Gvir’s claim that Netanyahu wanted a "weak Otzma Yehudit" because he called for unity with Smotrich.

Netanyahu emphasized that all polls show a technical bloc combining Ben Gvir and Smotrich would form a strong party that would strengthen the right-wing camp and avoid wasting votes. He warned that without this unity, the country risks a left-wing government led by figures like Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan, supported by Arab parties. "The Land of Israel is at stake. The people of Israel are at stake. The State of Israel is at stake," Netanyahu said.

He concluded by expressing disbelief that personal ambitions would endanger the country and urged Ben Gvir to make the right decision, calling for unity in the right-wing camp. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within the Israeli right ahead of elections, with Netanyahu seeking to consolidate support to prevent a left-leaning coalition.