Netanyahu Slams Ben-Gvir Over Claims of EU Deal

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vehemently denied claims made by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir that the Prime Minister's office had promised European Union countries not to include Ben-Gvir in the next government. "This is a complete lie," Netanyahu stated in a media interview, calling the assertion an "absurd spin." He reiterated that he intends to form his next government with the existing coalition partners, emphasizing core principles such as "no Palestinian state, Israel is the nation-state of the Jewish people, an aggressive policy and not containment, very strong, and of course a free economy."

Netanyahu further criticized Ben-Gvir, stating, "I must tell you, I am shooting outwards, Bezalel is shooting outwards, and unfortunately, someone is advising Itamar to shoot inwards." He contrasted this with Defense Minister Bezalel Smotrich, whom he described as working with him against external enemies.

The public dispute arises from Ben-Gvir's allegations that Netanyahu intends to exclude him from the next government, prompting Ben-Gvir to urge voters to support his Otzma Yehudit party over Likud. Ben-Gvir claimed to have "solid information" that Netanyahu's office committed to EU nations to keep him out of the government. He warned that attempts to weaken Otzma Yehudit could jeopardize the right-wing's continued rule, advising Netanyahu that the left would not forgive him for enacting true right-wing policies.

The confrontation occurs just a week before the Knesset elections, with both leaders vying for votes within the right-wing bloc. Ben-Gvir is encouraging votes for Otzma Yehudit to strengthen his position against Netanyahu, while the Prime Minister aims to consolidate right-wing support for Likud. Otzma Yehudit is running independently after Ben-Gvir chose not to sign an excess votes agreement with another party, while Likud and the Religious Zionism party finalized their agreement earlier.