Ben Gvir, Netanyahu Clash Over Right-Wing Votes

A public dispute has intensified between the Likud party and Otzma Yehudit, led by Itamar Ben Gvir, over the composition of the next Israeli government. Ben Gvir accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of seeking to replace him with Benny Gantz, while Likud retorted by accusing Ben Gvir of promoting an electoral "deception." This conflict extends beyond the future coalition's structure to a competition for right-wing votes and the balance of power within that bloc.

The public confrontation is an extension of weeks of tension, with Likud attempting to prevent voters from shifting to Ben Gvir's party. Conversely, Ben Gvir is campaigning to convince Netanyahu's voters that strengthening Otzma Yehudit is the guarantee for keeping the next government in the hands of the far-right.

Likud issued a statement to Ben Gvir, stating, "Enough deception. Prime Minister Netanyahu has clarified many times that he will establish the next government based on the existing parties in the national camp." Likud advised Ben Gvir to "focus on preventing the establishment of a left-wing government for Gantz with Yair Golan, Avigdor Lieberman, and the Arab parties."

Otzma Yehudit responded with the idiom "the hat burns on the head of the thief," accusing Netanyahu's office of sending messages to foreign countries indicating Ben Gvir would not be in the next government and pushing for a "government of unity." The party also noted Netanyahu's avoidance of joint appearances with Ben Gvir while simultaneously issuing statements affirming his inclusion.

Otzma Yehudit asserted, "The truth is that Netanyahu wants Gantz in the next government instead of Ben Gvir," pointing out Gantz's surplus vote agreement with Yair Golan and emphasizing that neither Netanyahu nor Gantz has denied this. The party demanded Netanyahu publicly pledge not to sit with Gantz and Golan.

Ben Gvir's campaign highlights the distinction between Netanyahu's pledge to form a government "based on" his current camp's parties and a commitment to a "broad national government." Otzma Yehudit believes the current phrasing allows Netanyahu to include Gantz after the elections, while Likud argues Ben Gvir is exploiting a formulation meant to broaden Netanyahu's support base to portray it as a plan to replace his current partners.

Knesset member Tali Gottlieb, who joined Ben Gvir's list, accused Netanyahu's circle of spreading "false" briefings that he had reassured her and Ben Gvir that Otzma Yehudit would be a partner in the next government, stating, "There was no such conversation." She argued that only a strong Otzma Yehudit would "keep the Prime Minister on the right and preserve the right-wing bloc."

Ben Gvir directly addressed Netanyahu in a video, expressing his affection and loyalty. He criticized his office for briefing foreign countries against his inclusion and for announcing Gantz as his next partner instead of Ben Gvir, demanding a "complete right-wing government."

The underlying conflict stems from Likud's need for Otzma Yehudit within Netanyahu's bloc but its reluctance to see the party grow to a size that allows Ben Gvir to demand a high price in coalition negotiations. Ben Gvir's campaign leverages this, assuring voters that supporting him does not threaten Netanyahu's premiership but strengthens his hand to prevent Netanyahu from choosing partners from outside the right.

Otzma Yehudit specifically targets the ideological far-right, youth, suburban residents, and traditional Likud voters, with Ben Gvir aiming for 15 seats, which Likud estimates would significantly increase his leverage. Likud, meanwhile, promotes a "broad national government" to win back undecided voters, a narrative Ben Gvir uses to accuse Netanyahu of preparing to ally with the left and center.

Both sides use Gantz as an electoral tool: Ben Gvir warns Netanyahu might include him instead of current partners, while Likud suggests weakening Ben Gvir could allow Gantz and Netanyahu's opponents to form the next government. The public debate centers not only on who will govern but also on who will define the boundaries of the next government from within the right-wing camp itself.