Netanyahu Pledges Broad Right-Wing Government After Elections Amid Ben Gvir's Concerns

At the start of the cabinet meeting on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the post-election political scenario, declaring his intention to form a broad national government. Netanyahu emphasized inclusivity, stating, "We do not boycott anyone, and whoever wants to sit under the principles of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people, military independence, and no two-state solution is welcome to join." This statement is seen as setting guidelines for future coalition partnerships across the political spectrum.

Later in the meeting, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir responded to Netanyahu's remarks, expressing concern about potential concessions within the right-wing bloc. Ben Gvir said, "I only hope that in the desire for a unity government, the Prime Minister does not boycott parts of the right-wing bloc." He added that policies concerning the Jewish identity of the state are already on the table and argued that "only in a right-wing government can we advance these policies, along with judicial reform and the settlement of the Land of Israel."

These exchanges highlight the political tension between expanding the coalition's base and maintaining the ideological cohesion and core positions of the right-wing bloc.