Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir Meet to Discuss Preserving Right-Wing Government

Three days after the elections, political maneuvering is underway, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meeting with Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir. According to a statement from Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party, the two "held an extended meeting" where they discussed ways to preserve the right-wing government and prevent the formation of a left-wing government supported by "terror supporters."

Meanwhile, Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar!" party, is exploring options for forming a government. He met with Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, and later with Naftali Bennett, chairman of "Achdut." Following his meeting with Golan, it was stated they "discussed ways to fulfill promises to the voters." After meeting Bennett, it was reported that Bennett discussed "ways to establish a good government as quickly as possible." Golan also met with Mansour Abbas, chairman of Ra'am, with whom he "discussed ways to build partnership and options for forming a government." Reports also suggest that Eisenkot's associates are considering proposing a unity government.

Earlier, Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, addressed the political deadlock, stating his party would uphold its promises and would not sit with Prime Minister Netanyahu or with Arab parties. He reiterated on social media platform X that his word was his bond and that he would not sit with "Bibi or Tibi, not with Goldknopf or Deri. Not with Yasser Hujairat or other terror supporters, neither directly nor indirectly." Lieberman added that the "only coalition that is considered is one composed solely of Zionist parties, including Likud without Bibi." He also asserted that the "first decision of the next government must be the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, and the first law must be a conscription law for everyone."

Following the election night exit poll results, Lieberman delivered a strong speech against Netanyahu, calling on Likud members to rebel against him and stating that the "Prime Minister of Israel behaved like the head of a crime organization that crossed all boundaries." He also humorously remarked that he had visited his doctor for "another surgery to lengthen the short fuse."