Netanyahu Calls for Right-Wing Unity; Otzma Yehudit Firmly Rejects Joint Run with Smotrich

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to meetings on Sunday to discuss uniting right-wing factions ahead of the upcoming elections. Netanyahu emphasized the importance of consolidating votes to save the right-wing bloc, stating, "We must unite to save the right-wing camp."

Shortly after Netanyahu's invitation, Otzma Yehudit responded decisively, declaring that their decision not to run jointly with the Religious Zionist Party is final and absolute. The party confirmed it will not engage in any talks or meetings, directly or indirectly, regarding a joint run with the Religious Zionist Party.

Otzma Yehudit proposed two alternatives to Netanyahu to avoid vote splitting within the right-wing camp: uniting the smaller right-wing parties or using the reserved spots Netanyahu received in Likud for Smotrich. The party urged Netanyahu to pursue these options to ensure a right-wing victory and the formation of a genuine right-wing government.

This development highlights ongoing tensions within the right-wing political spectrum as parties prepare for the next Knesset elections, with Netanyahu pushing for unity while Otzma Yehudit maintains a firm stance on running independently.