Ben-Gvir's Campaign Against Netanyahu Highlights Right-Wing Tensions
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Otzma Yehudit Chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir ran a campaign targeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning voters that Netanyahu might form a government without his party. Ben-Gvir sought to convince right-wing voters to strengthen Otzma Yehudit, not just vote Likud, to ensure his policy agenda. This included recruiting MK Tali Gottlieb, who echoed concerns about Netanyahu's coalition preferences. The campaign highlights Ben-Gvir's strategy to increase his leverage for future coalition negotiations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Itamar Ben-Gvir campaigned against Benjamin Netanyahu, warning of a government without Otzma Yehudit.
- Ben-Gvir urged right-wing voters to strengthen his party for policy continuity.
- MK Tali Gottlieb joined Otzma Yehudit, citing Netanyahu's preference for centrist parties.
- The campaign reflects a competition for undecided right-wing voters.
- Ben-Gvir accused Netanyahu of promising European officials a government excluding Otzma Yehudit.
During the recent election campaign for the 26th Knesset, a notable phenomenon was the campaign waged by Minister of National Security and Otzma Yehudit Chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir, specifically targeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While most right-wing parties focused on securing a majority for a Netanyahu-led government, Ben-Gvir dedicated a significant portion of his campaign to warning voters that Netanyahu might form a government without him.
The core of Ben-Gvir's campaign message was the assertion that Netanyahu might prefer a broad government including centrist and left-wing factions over one that included Otzma Yehudit. Ben-Gvir aimed to convince right-wing voters that strengthening his party, rather than solely voting for Likud, was the way to ensure the continuation of his policies on security and governance.
A key move by Ben-Gvir was recruiting Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb, who defected from Likud, to run in second place on the Otzma Yehudit list. This was intended to bolster the party's image as a force that would continue to fight for judicial reform and the dismissal of the Attorney General even after the elections. Despite reports of Netanyahu assuring Ben-Gvir and Gottlieb that no other party would be included in the government instead of them, Gottlieb remained unconvinced. Following a meeting with the Prime Minister, she claimed he favored leaning on centrist and left-wing parties and urged right-wing voters to support Otzma Yehudit.
The Likud, conversely, emphasized the importance of a large party and securing a majority for the entire bloc. This exchange of messages also reflected a direct competition for undecided right-wing voters, particularly among young people, residents of the periphery, and those with hardline security stances.
In the final days before the election, the confrontation intensified. Ben-Gvir accused Netanyahu of committing to European officials to form a unity government excluding Otzma Yehudit and alleged that Likud was attempting to undermine his party's electoral strength. No public evidence was presented to support the claim about commitments to European countries.
The conflict between Ben-Gvir and Netanyahu illustrates a significant political tension: Ben-Gvir desires Netanyahu to remain Prime Minister but simultaneously seeks to increase his own party's power at Likud's expense. This strategy aims to improve his negotiating position in coalition talks and ensure he cannot be excluded from a future government. The question remains whether this strategy will enhance Otzma Yehudit's strength or exacerbate tensions within the right-wing bloc after the elections.
