Likud Blames Itamar Ben Gvir for Threatening Right-Wing Unity and Enabling Left-Led Government

The Likud party has launched a sharp attack on Itamar Ben Gvir, leader of Otzma Yehudit, accusing him of risking the loss of tens of thousands of right-wing votes by refusing to unite with Bezalel Smotrich, head of the Religious Zionist Party. Likud warned that this division could lead to the formation of a left-wing government headed by Gadi Eisenkot, with support from Avigdor Lieberman, Yair Golan, and Arab parties.

In an official statement, Likud claimed that Ben Gvir's decision to reject a union with Smotrich effectively paves the way for a "left-wing government" and urged him to overcome personal ego and demonstrate maturity and responsibility. The party framed the choice facing Ben Gvir as supporting a "broad national government" led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or enabling the loss of right-wing votes and the rise of an alternative government.

Likud highlighted the achievements of Netanyahu's government in recent years, including advancing settlement in Judea and Samaria, countering Iran, and security successes against terror leaders, warning these gains could be lost if a different government forms. They also cautioned that a government led by Eisenkot, with Lieberman, Golan, and Arab parties, would promote a Palestinian state, succumb to international pressure, harm settlements and Channel 14, and persecute right-wing activists.

The statement concluded with a direct appeal to Ben Gvir to unite with the right for the sake of Israel and the right-wing cause.