Smotrich and Feiglin in Talks for Joint Run, Sparking Right-Wing Uproar

Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionism party, is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Moshe Feiglin, head of the "Zehut" party, to potentially secure the second spot on a joint list, along with additional reserved positions. This move has ignited a significant controversy within the right-wing political camp.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has launched a fierce attack against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Smotrich over the reported secret talks. Ben-Gvir accused Netanyahu and Smotrich of orchestrating a "cynical game" to pressure Feiglin into lowering his demands, suggesting that a public call for unity was a staged maneuver. "My name is Itamar Ben-Gvir, not Benny Gantz," he stated, expressing his dismay at being excluded from such discussions.

Meanwhile, the "Zeut" party launched its "Yes. We are Judaizing!" campaign, outlining a plan to expand settlement in the Negev and Galilee. The revelation of Smotrich's negotiations with Feiglin occurred concurrently with a meeting with Ben-Gvir, highlighting the complex political maneuvering.

Otzma Yehudit, Ben-Gvir's party, has issued a definitive statement, declaring that no union with Religious Zionism will occur and that all discussions on the matter are final. The party proposed two alternatives to Netanyahu: either a merger of all smaller factions or the use of reserved Knesset seats allocated to Netanyahu within Likud for Smotrich, to ensure a right-wing victory.

Further internal dissent emerged as Knesset Member Almog Cohen criticized Ben-Gvir, reminding him of his role in preventing the government's collapse during the budget vote. Cohen urged Ben-Gvir to prioritize the bloc's interests over personal considerations, warning that internal conflict could lead to a situation where "Mansour" (referring to a potential Arab party leader) could be in the cabinet.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has called for an urgent meeting with both Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, emphasizing the critical need for unity to prevent wasted votes and secure a right-wing government. This public appeal comes amid intense political tensions and the apparent failure of a potential union with Ofer Winter's new party. The stark refusal from Otzma Yehudit and Ben-Gvir's strong opposition suggest that achieving unity remains a significant challenge.