Mansour Abbas Reveals Smotrich Blocked Right-Wing Government Formation with Ra'am

Mansour Abbas, chairman of the Ra'am party and Knesset member, disclosed in a 103FM radio interview that Bezalel Smotrich was the sole individual who prevented the formation of a right-wing government including Ra'am. Abbas revealed behind-the-scenes details of the coalition negotiations, stating, "Smotrich is the only one who stopped the establishment of a right-wing government with Ra'am."

Smotrich had recently described in an All-in podcast interview with Nadav Perry the pressures he faced when he refused to allow Netanyahu to form a government supported by Ra'am. He said even Netanyahu's staunchest supporters criticized him for this stance, including public figures like Yinon Magal and Ricklin. Smotrich explained, "I said no, I will not join a government with anti-Zionist terror supporters."

Smotrich also revealed that the pressure extended to his rabbi, Rabbi Druckman, who was approached by Netanyahu's emissaries, including Amit Levi, who spent two hours with the rabbi presenting materials. Mansour Abbas himself also met with Rabbi Druckman during this period. Smotrich claimed he convinced Rabbi Druckman against supporting the other side. This insight sheds light on the internal conflicts and negotiations that influenced the coalition-building process in Israel.