Itamar Ben Gvir Launches Sharp Attack on Netanyahu Over Right-Wing Unity Talks

Itamar Ben Gvir, chairman of Otzma Yehudit, has intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid ongoing disputes over right-wing political unity ahead of upcoming elections. Ben Gvir reacted strongly to reports of negotiations between Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionist Party, and Moshe Feiglin, head of the Zehut party, which reportedly took place with Netanyahu's involvement. He accused Netanyahu and Smotrich of staging a public call for unity with him as a cynical ploy to pressure Feiglin into lowering his demands in the talks.

Ben Gvir expressed surprise at the reported negotiations and condemned what he described as Netanyahu's and Smotrich's insincere appeals for unity, saying, "Even the passionate call for unity is a cynical game?!" He concluded his statement with a pointed remark: "Mr. Prime Minister, my name is Itamar Ben Gvir, not Benny Gantz."

The reported talks between Smotrich and Feiglin aimed to form a technical bloc to strengthen their electoral chances, with Feiglin demanding a "zipper" list alternating candidates from both parties. Meanwhile, Ben Gvir's potential alliance with Smotrich appears increasingly unlikely, and Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman is reportedly preparing alternative plans.

Netanyahu had publicly urged Smotrich and Ben Gvir to unite, warning that a divided right-wing vote could lead to losses similar to those in the 1992 elections, which paved the way for Yitzhak Rabin's government and the Oslo Accords. Netanyahu also planned to meet with both leaders to facilitate a merger. However, Ben Gvir rejected Netanyahu's proposal, accusing him of wanting to weaken Otzma Yehudit to enable a broader government coalition with Gadi Eisenkot after the elections.

The dispute escalated further as Ben Gvir revealed that Netanyahu had previously supported a joint run between Smotrich and right-wing leader Ofer Winter, sidelining Ben Gvir's party. Ben Gvir has also called on Winter to unite with Smotrich, warning that failure to do so could harm the right-wing bloc's electoral strength.

This political friction highlights the challenges within Israel's right-wing camp as parties negotiate alliances and strategies ahead of the elections, with Netanyahu seeking to consolidate the right to avoid vote splitting and potential losses.