Otzma Yehudit Chairman Ben-Gvir Rejects Surplus Agreement with Vinter's Party

A sharp political dispute has erupted on the Israeli right after Itamar Ben-Gvir, chairman of the Otzma Yehudit party, refused to sign an electoral surplus agreement with the Am Israel party, led by Ofer Vinter. Ben-Gvir announced his decision on social media, stating, "Vinter is Bennett 2, therefore Otzma Yehudit will not sign a surplus agreement with him." In response, Am Israel issued a harsh statement criticizing Ben-Gvir, urging him to "grow up" and stating that people are tired of his "gimmicks, style, and approach." The party accused Ben-Gvir of abandoning votes and lacking consistency, questioning his declaration to "throw votes in the trash" after previously calling the elections "fateful." Am Israel also criticized the political conduct of Ben-Gvir's party, saying, "Instead of defeating enemies, you are busy with an unsuccessful attempt to eliminate brothers. It is no wonder so many right-wing people shy away from this path."

Ben-Gvir's decision complicates the landscape of surplus agreements within the right-wing bloc. While the Likud and Religious Zionism parties have already signed an agreement, and Vinter has reportedly received alternative offers from figures like Yoaz Hendel, Otzma Yehudit currently finds itself isolated without a technical surplus agreement ahead of the elections.