Netanyahu Calls Ben Gvir and Smotrich to Unite Right-Wing Ahead of Elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has summoned ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for separate meetings on Sunday in an effort to unify the right-wing bloc ahead of the upcoming elections. Netanyahu emphasized the importance of consolidating votes to prevent losses, stating, "We must unite to save the right-wing bloc." This move follows recent public disputes between the two ministers.

However, Otzma Yehudit, led by Ben Gvir, rejected the unification proposal outright, declaring that their split from the Religious Zionist Party is final and that no talks or meetings will take place, either directly or indirectly. Instead, Otzma Yehudit suggested alternative paths to ensure right-wing dominance, including uniting smaller parties or using reserved slots within Likud for Smotrich, while maintaining their independence.

Netanyahu's intervention came after he released a video urging the two parties to overcome personal differences and unite, warning that a divided right-wing vote could lead to losses similar to those in the 1992 elections when multiple right-wing parties failed to pass the electoral threshold. He cited the consequences of that split, including the Oslo Accords and the rise of Hamas, as national disasters.

Notably, Netanyahu did not mention retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter and his new party "Amcha Yisrael" in his call for unity, focusing instead on Ben Gvir and Smotrich. Political analysts suggest this indicates confidence in Winter's chances to pass the electoral threshold, while Smotrich's position is more precarious. Winter himself affirmed his party's alignment with Netanyahu's right-wing camp but stressed his independence and outlined commitments such as integrating ultra-Orthodox soldiers into the IDF and encouraging voluntary migration from Gaza.

Netanyahu is expected to address Winter later, as pressure mounts on Winter to merge with an established party amid skepticism within Likud about his political entry. The prime minister's efforts highlight the strategic importance of consolidating the right-wing vote to secure a stable government after the elections.