Netanyahu Invites Ben Gvir and Smotrich to Sunday Meeting to Push Right-Wing Unity

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly called for unity between Itamar Ben Gvir of Otzma Yehudit and Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionist Party ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections. On Friday, Netanyahu tweeted an invitation to both leaders for meetings on Sunday to discuss uniting their factions, emphasizing the need to overcome personal differences for the sake of the right-wing bloc's success. Netanyahu stated, "They must unite; every time we were united, we won. Every time we went separately, we lost."

The call for unity follows a public dispute between Netanyahu and Ben Gvir. On Thursday, Netanyahu criticized Ben Gvir after the latter accused him of wanting a diminished Otzma Yehudit. Netanyahu warned Ben Gvir against risking the right-wing's prospects due to personal ambitions, saying, "I don't believe that because of personal desires you are willing to endanger the right."

In response, Otzma Yehudit issued a firm statement rejecting any joint electoral list with the Religious Zionist Party, declaring the decision final and unchangeable. Ben Gvir also posted a video accusing Netanyahu of wanting a smaller Otzma Yehudit to facilitate a broad national government with Benny Gantz. He argued that only a large Otzma Yehudit combined with Smotrich and Uri Ariel could form a fully right-wing government. Ben Gvir further claimed that polls show a joint list with Smotrich would cost Otzma Yehudit 3-4 Knesset seats and reduce voter turnout, risking the collapse of a right-wing government.

The political tension highlights the challenges within the Israeli right-wing camp as the September elections approach. Netanyahu's efforts to broker unity aim to consolidate votes and strengthen the right-wing bloc's chances of forming a government. The upcoming Sunday meetings will be closely watched for any breakthrough or continued division.