Itamar Ben Gvir Launches Sharp Attack on Netanyahu Over Secret Political Talks

A political storm erupted on Sunday after reports revealed secret negotiations for a political alliance between Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin, allegedly mediated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The revelations sparked a fierce response from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who publicly criticized Netanyahu for orchestrating the talks and accused him of cynically calling for unity while sidelining him.

Ben Gvir opened his statement by expressing shock at the reports of advanced negotiations between Smotrich and Feiglin, which he claimed were used by Netanyahu and Smotrich to pressure Feiglin and lower his demands. The background to the controversy involves a recent closed-door meeting between Netanyahu and Ben Gvir, during which Netanyahu insisted that Ben Gvir unite with Smotrich on a joint list. Ben Gvir refused, presenting internal campaign polls showing that such a union would alienate key voter groups, including young voters, first-time voters, peripheral residents, and some Haredi voters who might otherwise support Otzma Yehudit.

According to Ben Gvir’s campaign, about 80% of Religious Zionist voters would shift to Otzma Yehudit’s rival, Otzma Yehudit’s opposition candidate Ofer Winter, if the parties merged. Ben Gvir also criticized coalition partners for boycotting events he attends and being ashamed to be photographed with him, calling the calls for unity a cynical game.

The dispute follows Netanyahu’s public call last Friday inviting Ben Gvir and Smotrich to meetings to prevent vote splitting in the right-wing bloc. Otzma Yehudit immediately rejected any joint run with the Religious Zionist Party, declaring the decision final. Meanwhile, Feiglin warned that he would not withdraw at the last minute and threatened the right-wing bloc, emphasizing that his voters do not belong to them.

Ben Gvir concluded his statement with a pointed warning to Netanyahu’s office, asserting, "My name is Itamar Ben Gvir, not Benny Gantz," referencing the former defense minister who left the government. This signals that Ben Gvir may take drastic steps if ignored further. The political turmoil unfolds amid a volatile period for the right-wing, with polls indicating significant vote fragmentation among smaller parties and Netanyahu struggling to mediate deep personal and political tensions.