Poll Shows Majority Disapprove of Ben-Gvir's Refusal to Unite Parties

A recent poll conducted by Channel 14 indicates that 59% of Israelis believe that Otzma Yehudit party leader Itamar Ben-Gvir was wrong to reject Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request to discuss a potential merger with other parties on the right. Only 25% of respondents felt Ben-Gvir was correct in his decision, with 16% undecided.

The poll follows a public dispute between Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir regarding the consolidation of right-wing parties ahead of potential elections. Netanyahu had urged Ben-Gvir and Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich to unite, even inviting them to a meeting. Ben-Gvir, however, publicly refused, stating he would not run on a joint list with Smotrich.

During the public exchange, Ben-Gvir accused Netanyahu of trying to weaken his party. In a video statement, Ben-Gvir claimed Netanyahu desires a smaller Otzma Yehudit so that the Prime Minister could align with Benny Gantz. Ben-Gvir asserted that the path to a right-wing government lies in strengthening his party and uniting Smotrich with Ofir Winter's party, "Am Israel." He proposed a scenario where Religious Zionism and Am Israel would merge, while Otzma Yehudit would run independently.

Netanyahu, conversely, framed the need for right-wing unity as essential to prevent wasted votes and ensure the bloc's strength post-election. The disagreement has thus evolved from a debate over electoral lists into a contest over the most effective strategy for the right-wing camp to achieve a majority.