Likud Fires Back at Ben-Gvir, Accusing Him of 'Friendly Fire'
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
The Likud party accused National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of "friendly fire" and "false political spins" after he alleged the Prime Minister's office promised EU nations Otzma Yehudit would be excluded from the next government. Likud reiterated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's commitment to the current coalition partners forming the basis of any future government. The party urged voters to support Likud to prevent a left-wing government and called on right-wing voters to back Otzma Yehudit, warning that weakening his party could harm the right-wing bloc.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The Likud party accused Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of "friendly fire" and "false political spins."
- Ben-Gvir claimed the Prime Minister's office promised EU countries Otzma Yehudit would be excluded from the next government.
- The Likud emphasized Prime Minister Netanyahu's commitment to the current coalition partners for any future government.
- The party urged voters to support Likud to prevent a left-wing government led by Eisenkot.
- Ben-Gvir called on right-wing voters to support Otzma Yehudit, warning of potential harm to the right-wing bloc.
The Likud party has sharply responded to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accusing him of "false political spins and friendly fire" after he claimed the Prime Minister's office had promised European Union countries that Otzma Yehudit would not be part of the next government. The Likud stated that any future government would be based on the current coalition partners.
In a statement released Sunday, the Likud vehemently denied Ben-Gvir's allegations and clarified Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's position. "The opposite is true," the party said. "The Prime Minister has made it clear that any government will include the base of partners from the current coalition, and any Zionist party will be invited to join based on our foundational principles and the current composition." The Likud emphasized its commitment to its existing partners.
Concluding their statement, the Likud urged voters to cast their ballots for Likud (Mahl) in future elections to prevent a "left-wing government of Eisenkot with the Arab parties, Yair Golan, Lieberman, and Bennett," and to "complete the necessary security work together with our American friends."
The dispute between Likud and Otzma Yehudit arises amid Ben-Gvir's assertions that he is a key partner to Netanyahu. "Bibi needs a strong Ben-Gvir, not a strong Eisenkot!" the minister declared, warning that weakening his party could jeopardize the continuation of the right-wing government. Ben-Gvir also recalled his past support for Netanyahu, claiming he prevented an attempt to oust him from within Likud. He stated, "You told me then that you can rely on me more than on your friends in Likud," appealing to the Prime Minister to continue right-wing policies and not depend on support from the left.
Ben-Gvir also called on right-wing voters to support Otzma Yehudit, asserting that voting for his party is a vote for Netanyahu as prime minister. He cautioned that if Likud harms his party, some of its supporters might not vote at all on election day. This confrontation occurs as Netanyahu has spoken about the composition of the next government, telling Dana Varon that he intends to form a "broad right-wing government" based primarily on current coalition parties. The Likud now seeks to highlight its commitment to current partners, while Ben-Gvir warns against diminishing Otzma Yehudit's influence.
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