Netanyahu Urges Ben Gvir and Smotrich to Unite Amid Right-Wing Rift

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a public call on Friday for two of his cabinet ministers, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, to meet separately on Sunday in an effort to unify the right-wing bloc ahead of upcoming elections. Netanyahu emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We must unite to save the right-wing bloc and not waste any votes." This appeal follows the collapse of potential unity talks with Ofer Winter's new party, "Amcha Israel," which has disrupted the right-wing political landscape.

The call comes amid intense political tensions on the right and after recent polls showed Winter's party gaining six seats, pushing Smotrich's Religious Zionism party below the electoral threshold with only 2.6% support. This shift has weakened Netanyahu's bloc, reducing Likud's projected seats to 21 and the overall right-wing bloc to 43 mandates, or 49 if Winter's seats are included, still short of a majority.

In response, Otzma Yehudit, led by Ben Gvir, firmly rejected any merger with Religious Zionism, declaring that no talks or negotiations will take place. They urged Netanyahu to pursue either a full merger of smaller right-wing factions or to allocate reserved spots within Likud for Smotrich to ensure a right-wing victory.

Behind the scenes, Netanyahu reportedly demanded Ben Gvir unite with Smotrich on a single list, but Ben Gvir declined, citing internal polls indicating such a merger would alienate key voter groups, including young voters, peripheral residents, and some Haredi voters. Ben Gvir also warned that 80% of Smotrich's voters might switch to Winter if a merger occurred. Netanyahu considered placing Smotrich on the Likud list but rejected it due to potential harm to his own party.

The coming days will determine whether Netanyahu's public appeal can bridge the divisions within the right-wing camp or if the bloc will remain fragmented ahead of the elections.