Finance Minister Smotrich Open to Unity Government, Won't Sit Without Ben-Gvir
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich confirmed Itamar Ben-Gvir's prior agreement to meet with the Ra'am party. Smotrich expressed willingness to join a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot and potentially others, but insisted Ben-Gvir must be included. He also criticized Yair Golan's political positions but did not rule out sitting with him in a broad unity government, while emphasizing his preference for a right-wing bloc coalition.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Finance Minister Smotrich confirmed Itamar Ben-Gvir previously agreed to meet with the Ra'am party.
- Smotrich stated he would not join a government without Itamar Ben-Gvir.
- The Finance Minister expressed openness to a unity government including Gadi Eisenkot.
- Smotrich criticized Yair Golan but did not rule out sitting with him in a unity government.
- Smotrich's primary goal remains forming a government with his natural right-wing bloc partners.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that he "absolutely" agrees with the claim that Itamar Ben-Gvir had previously consented to a framework for meeting with the Ra'am party. Smotrich also indicated openness to sitting in a government with Gadi Eisenkot, but stressed he would not agree to a coalition without Ben-Gvir. He further commented on the possibility of sitting with Yair Golan, whom he described as a "radical left-wing man" who wants to establish a Palestinian state and close down religious institutions.
Smotrich made these remarks on Aharon Yadlin's podcast, where he also addressed the potential for the right-wing bloc to secure 61 mandates in the upcoming elections. He expressed optimism for a higher result if voters turn out and avoid casting ballots for parties that may not pass the electoral threshold. The Finance Minister suggested that after an electoral decision, it would be possible to invite "additional forces" from the opposition, emphasizing that "we do not boycott anyone."
When presented with a scenario where Gadi Eisenkot proposes forming a government with Benjamin Netanyahu and the Religious Zionism party, Smotrich affirmed his willingness to join. However, he explicitly stated he would not participate in such a government if Itamar Ben-Gvir were excluded, declaring, "I am not prepared for boycotts."
Smotrich clarified his stance on Yair Golan, stating that while he believes Golan would not join such a government due to his extreme views, he would not rule him out if the goal is a "government of unity, with everyone." Despite this, Smotrich reiterated his primary political objective remains forming a government with his natural partners in the right-wing bloc, asserting, "I am not leaving the right-wing bloc."
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