Ben-Gvir Accuses Netanyahu of Promising Europe a Government Without Him

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir launched a sharp attack on the Likud party on Monday, accusing it of orchestrating a campaign to weaken his Otzma Yehudit party and potentially push it below the electoral threshold. Ben-Gvir claimed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office had committed to European Union countries that the next government would be a unity government excluding him. He asserted that this information was "verified and confirmed" and had been conveyed to foreign ministers and senior officials.

Ben-Gvir urged supporters of a right-wing government to vote for Otzma Yehudit, warning that a weakened party could lead to a broader government with diminished influence for the far-right. He dismissed the idea that only the "largest party" matters, emphasizing that the number of recommendations to the president from within the bloc is what counts. He also contrasted Netanyahu's alleged promise to Europe with a need for a "strong Ben-Gvir, not a strong Eisenkot."

The Likud party vehemently rejected Ben-Gvir's accusations, labeling them "false political spins" and "friendly fire." They stated that the Prime Minister intends to maintain the current coalition partners and that Ben-Gvir would serve as a senior minister in the next government, provided the right-wing bloc wins. Likud sources accused Ben-Gvir of harming the camp's unity and diverting attention from smaller parties that could waste right-wing votes.

This confrontation occurs amid a tight election campaign, with polls showing a close race between the Likud and Gadi Eisenkot's "Yash" party, and an internal struggle within the right-wing bloc for every mandate. Ben-Gvir is positioning Otzma Yehudit as essential for a full right-wing government, while the Likud fears his party's excessive strength could complicate future coalition building.

Separately, Otzma Yehudit activists protested outside the home of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, warning against "wasted votes" among the Haredi and religious sectors in the upcoming elections. Prime Minister Netanyahu recently released a video alleging a pact between Ofer Winter, chairman of 'Am Israel,' and Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of 'Yisrael Beiteinu,' despite their public disputes.