Likud Minister Defends Ben-Gvir, Criticizes Netanyahu's Strategy

Likud Minister Amichai Chikli has publicly disagreed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent criticism of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, stating in a radio interview that Ben-Gvir is not the problem. Chikli suggested that Ben-Gvir's party is the most stable among the right-wing factions. He expressed greater concern over a potential political move by Ofir Winter, likening it to the "New Right" party's situation in 2019. Chikli believes the ideal scenario would be a union between Winter and Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich, but stressed the importance of avoiding three separate right-wing parties running in the election.

Netanyahu had initially criticized Winter's party but, according to sources close to the Prime Minister, has now shifted his focus to Ben-Gvir. Last week, Netanyahu urged Ben-Gvir to unite with Smotrich to ensure Smotrich's party would pass the electoral threshold. Ben-Gvir rejected this, interpreting the proposal as an attempt to weaken him politically and refusing to meet with Netanyahu or merge with Smotrich.

Knesset Member Tally Gottlieb also criticized Netanyahu's approach, supporting Ben-Gvir and stating that the responsibility for a right-wing government lies with Smotrich. Gottlieb suggested Smotrich should unite with Winter to strengthen the right-wing bloc and potentially weaken Avigdor Lieberman. Alternatively, she proposed Smotrich could merge with Avi Maoz or even receive Knesset seats from the Likud party if his own party faced difficulties passing the electoral threshold.