Otzma Yehudit Accuses Likud of Plotting to Oust Ben-Gvir From Next Government

A sharp political dispute has erupted between the Likud party and Otzma Yehudit, a faction within the Religious Zionism bloc, over the composition of the next government. The conflict intensified after Likud issued a strong statement accusing Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of spreading "gross and vulgar lies against the Prime Minister." Otzma Yehudit responded by accusing Likud of attempting to sideline Ben-Gvir from a future government.

Likud's statement alleged that Ben-Gvir was working against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and suggested that if the right-wing bloc remained united, Arab parties would not win. Otzma Yehudit vehemently denied these claims, asserting their full commitment to Netanyahu. "We love Prime Minister Netanyahu, we are 100% committed to him, and we are the ones who prevented his ouster when his Likud colleagues were plotting a putsch against him," the party stated.

Otzma Yehudit countered that messages originating from within Likud indicate an intention to form a government without Ben-Gvir. They cited several instances, including alleged statements by Netanyahu himself that Ben-Gvir would not serve as National Security Minister in the next term. The party also pointed to comments by Ambassador Leiter, described as a Netanyahu confidant, to CNN, suggesting a unity government without Ben-Gvir. Furthermore, Otzma Yehudit referenced reports by journalists Ariel Kahana and Danni Zaken, claiming Netanyahu's office conveyed messages to European countries indicating Ben-Gvir's exclusion from the next government.

Additional points raised by Otzma Yehudit included statements from Likud figures like Miki Zohar, Eli Goldschmidt, and Yaakov Bardugo regarding the possibility of a broad government including Gadi Eisenkot, as well as messaging in Likud's official campaign emphasizing this possibility. While expressing disappointment with Likud's attack, Otzma Yehudit placed the responsibility for the dispute on Netanyahu's party, stating, "The attack from Likud hurts us. But if Likud has decided to discard Ben-Gvir and form a government with Eisenkot, Likud should openly stand behind its decision, instead of blaming the victim."

The ongoing confrontation highlights the tension between the two parties and the disagreements surrounding the formation of the next government. While Likud accuses Ben-Gvir of harming the Prime Minister and the right-wing bloc, Otzma Yehudit contends that messages from Netanyahu's circle raise questions about the future of their political partnership.