Netanyahu Assures Ben-Gvir, Gutlieb No One Will Replace Them in Government

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has been leading a campaign targeting government supporters, alleging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to form a government without him should he win the upcoming election. Ben-Gvir and MK Tally Gutlieb, who recently joined Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party from the Likud, are actively campaigning, urging voters to strengthen Ben-Gvir to ensure his inclusion in the next government. This campaign aims to increase Otzma Yehudit's mandate at the Likud's expense, potentially succeeding with Ben-Gvir's target demographics.

Sources indicate Ben-Gvir has received assurances from the Likud that no "change bloc" parties will be included at his expense, alongside requests to cease his campaign. However, Netanyahu's repeated emphasis on a "broad government" has raised concerns for Ben-Gvir, as such a coalition might exclude him. To address this, Netanyahu held a direct conversation with Ben-Gvir, promising that any future government he forms would be based on the current coalition's principles and composition. Netanyahu also reinforced this message in recent videos to quell the campaign's momentum.

Netanyahu also met with Gutlieb last week to mitigate damage. Despite her departure from the Likud, Netanyahu sought to clarify matters. Gutlieb recounted that Netanyahu tried to convince her Ben-Gvir was mistaken about not serving with figures like Benny Gantz, but she countered that Netanyahu historically favored left and center parties. She stated Netanyahu placed her at Likud's 20th spot to avoid a government with Gantz instead of Ben-Gvir, urging right-wing voters to support Otzma Yehudit to keep Netanyahu on the right.

Ben-Gvir remains skeptical of Netanyahu, believing that in his final term, Netanyahu might seek a different government composition excluding him. Behind the scenes, a battle is underway for voters undecided between the Likud and Otzma Yehudit, particularly among Mizrahi, young, periphery, and far-right voters. The Likud is concerned about Ben-Gvir's independent campaign and the possibility of him becoming an election surprise, which could lead to demands for senior ministerial positions for himself and Gutlieb, something Netanyahu reportedly wishes to avoid.

Otzma Yehudit denied the conversation took place, stating the opposite is true, citing reports that the Prime Minister's Office conveyed messages to other countries indicating Otzma Yehudit would not be part of the next government.