Netanyahu Urges Ben Gvir and Smotrich to Unite to Strengthen Right-Wing Bloc

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly called on National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to unite their factions into a single list ahead of upcoming elections. Netanyahu emphasized that previous attempts where the right-wing ran separately resulted in losses, urging them to overcome personal differences for the sake of the right-wing camp. He warned that failure to unite could lead to a left-wing government including Benny Gantz and Arab parties.

In response, Ben Gvir accused Netanyahu of wanting a weakened Otzma Yehudit party to facilitate a broad national government with Gantz. He argued that only a strong Otzma Yehudit combined with Smotrich and Winter could form a full right-wing government. Smotrich also called for unity and responsibility within the national camp.

Netanyahu reiterated his call, stressing that Smotrich's party is near the electoral threshold and that without unification, the right risks losing power. Ben Gvir countered that polls show a joint list with Smotrich could cost Otzma Yehudit 3-4 seats by discouraging voters, potentially causing the right-wing government to collapse. He cited Netanyahu's own suggestion that a Smotrich-Winter alliance would best capture undecided voters, as Winter brings no additional support.

The public exchange highlights tensions within Israel's right-wing leadership over electoral strategy and the balance between personal ambitions and political pragmatism ahead of the elections.