Netanyahu Assures Ben-Gvir of Coalition Role Amidst Political Maneuvering

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly offered assurances to Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party, that no other party will be brought into the government at the expense of Otzma Yehudit. This guarantee comes as Ben-Gvir is actively campaigning to voters, suggesting that Netanyahu cannot form a government without him. Tali Gottlieb, a lawmaker who recently switched from Likud to Otzma Yehudit, has been particularly vocal, urging citizens to strengthen Ben-Gvir to prevent him from being excluded from a future right-wing government, arguing he is essential to keeping Netanyahu from shifting leftward.

Sources within Likud express concern over the actions of their current coalition partners, recognizing that any gains by Otzma Yehudit could come at Likud's expense. To appease Ben-Gvir, Netanyahu's circle conveyed that the Prime Minister has no intention of forming a government without Otzma Yehudit or replacing them with another party. In return, Ben-Gvir was reportedly asked to cease his public campaign. This suggests Likud's aim to maintain the current coalition configuration, with Netanyahu's promoted idea of a "broad government" potentially being an election tactic.

Following Ben-Gvir's continued campaigning, Netanyahu held a "calming conversation" with him to clarify his intentions. According to Ynet, Netanyahu stated that if he forms the next government, it will be based on the current coalition and its core principles. Netanyahu later reinforced this message in social media videos. He also met separately with Tali Gottlieb, explaining that Otzma Yehudit's campaign was counterproductive to his and the broader camp's interests.

Gottlieb, however, recounted that Netanyahu tried to convince her Ben-Gvir was mistaken and would not sit with Benny Gantz (referred to as Eisenkot in the original text, likely a misstatement or reference to a different political figure). She responded that Ben-Gvir was correct and that Netanyahu historically favored center-left parties. Gottlieb also claimed Netanyahu relegated her to the 20th spot on the list to facilitate a government with Gantz instead of Ben-Gvir, urging voters to support Otzma Yehudit to keep Netanyahu on the right.

Otzma Yehudit reportedly distrusts Netanyahu, believing he might seek a different government composition if this is his final term. The party views the situation as a struggle for "overlapping mandates" within specific voter demographics. A senior Likud source noted that a strong showing for Ben-Gvir, independent of Bezalel Smotrich, would significantly impact the right-wing bloc and allow Ben-Gvir to demand high-profile positions, which Netanyahu wishes to avoid.

Otzma Yehudit has denied direct contact with Netanyahu but confirmed concerns about his alleged plans to exclude them from the next government. The party cited "disturbing reports," including in Israel Hayom, that the Prime Minister's office had communicated to foreign nations that Otzma Yehudit would not be part of the upcoming government.