Ben Gvir attacks Netanyahu over broad coalition plan and Lebanon deal

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement on Saturday night that he intends to build a broad national government after elections, along with the framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon that begins the withdrawal of IDF forces from southern Lebanon, triggered sharp political backlash from both right and left. The fiercest attack came from within the coalition, as National Security Minister and Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir called Netanyahu’s statement “very troubling” and said past governments that brought in left-wing figures had harmed a hard-right agenda.

Ben Gvir argued that Netanyahu should form “only a full right-wing government,” citing Tzipi Livni and Benny Gantz as examples of ministers whose inclusion, in his view, weakened right-wing policy. On the Lebanon agreement, he wrote on X that it was “a big mistake,” said he had already asked Netanyahu to put it to a cabinet vote, and vowed to keep fighting it. He said Lebanon would not disarm Hezbollah, noted that Hezbollah members serve in the Lebanese government, and insisted only IDF soldiers would destroy the group.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar backed Netanyahu and welcomed the political message. Saar said he supports the prime minister’s declaration that he wants to form a broad national government after the elections, arguing that after October 7, 2023, there is no room for boycott politics or exclusions. He said such a government is a clear national interest because Israel will remain in a struggle for its existence and future.

Opposition figures dismissed Netanyahu’s call. Yesh Atid? No, Israeli opposition leaders Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Golan and Benny Gantz all attacked him. Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of leading Israel to a historic low, said he is avoiding responsibility for the October 7 massacre, and promised to build a Zionist majority government after the election. Golan said Netanyahu, whom he blamed for Israel’s biggest disaster, should join Ben Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich and the ultra-Orthodox parties in opposition. Gantz said he does not believe Netanyahu, warned he would again rely on ultra-Orthodox and extremist partners, and pledged to help form a broad Zionist government to prevent another massacre and future disasters.