Otzma Yehudit Accuses Netanyahu of Planning Alliance with Eisenkot

Officials from Itamar Ben Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party allege that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering forming a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot after the upcoming elections. According to these officials, the Likud party is seeking to diminish Otzma Yehudit's electoral influence in preparation for such a scenario. Over the past month, Ben Gvir has reportedly become increasingly convinced that the Likud is attempting to isolate his party and weaken its political standing, with messages from Netanyahu's circle fueling these concerns.

Otzma Yehudit expresses skepticism regarding Netanyahu's public promise to form his next government solely with the current coalition partners. The party's officials interpret the Likud's electoral strategy, which now emphasizes a "broad government" rather than a strictly right-wing one, as indicative of a potential wider coalition. They believe that weakening Otzma Yehudit post-election would significantly facilitate Netanyahu's move towards an alliance with Eisenkot, who has not ruled out joining a Netanyahu-led government.

Further fueling Otzma Yehudit's suspicions are Netanyahu's recent public appearances, where he has reportedly avoided being seen alongside Ben Gvir. The party points to past instances where Netanyahu formed governments with centrist parties like the Labor party and Yesh Atid, and his previous attempts to form a unity government with Benny Gantz, as precedents for his current alleged intentions.

Otzma Yehudit officials claim Netanyahu has already decided on a future partnership with Eisenkot. They believe such a coalition would lead to the abandonment of key priorities for their political camp, including judicial reform and confronting the Attorney General. While they suggest Religious Zionist Party leader Betsalel Smotrich might join such a government if offered a significant role, they assert that Itamar Ben Gvir could not participate in a government that compromises on issues like judicial reform and encouraging emigration.

Therefore, Otzma Yehudit concludes that despite Netanyahu's public statements, he is preparing the groundwork for a future government that includes both himself and Eisenkot, potentially sidelining their party.