Smotrich Urges Public to Heed Mansour Abbas on 2021 Government Formation

Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich surprised many by urging the public to listen to Mansour Abbas, head of the Ra'am party, during a recent interview. Abbas claimed that Smotrich was the sole figure who prevented the formation of a right-wing government supported by Ra'am after the 2021 elections. Abbas stated, "Smotrich is the only one who stopped the establishment of a right-wing government led by Netanyahu and Bennett with Ra'am's backing," while also noting that Smotrich was truthful in some respects and dishonest in others.

This statement reinforced Smotrich's long-standing narrative that he consistently opposed any government relying on Ra'am's support, even at the cost of losing power. Shortly after Abbas's remarks on 103FM radio, Smotrich tweeted, "I don't usually say this, but listen to Mansour," drawing attention to Abbas's claim.

The exchange highlights the complex political dynamics between Religious Zionism and Ra'am, two parties often seen as political adversaries. The discussion centers on the 2021 coalition negotiations and the reasons behind the failure to form a right-wing government at that time.