Itamar Ben Gvir Orders Advisers to Avoid Talks with Smotrich and Feiglin Ahead of Elections

Itamar Ben Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party and current minister, has issued a strict directive to his advisers and associates to refrain from engaging in any discussions with figures from the Religious Zionism party and Moshe Feiglin's Zehut party regarding potential electoral alliances or joint technical blocs. According to information obtained by "Srugim," Ben Gvir's instruction goes beyond merely avoiding initiating contact; his team is also instructed not to respond to any proposals or inquiries from these parties about possible cooperation ahead of the upcoming elections.

In recent weeks, preliminary talks had taken place between representatives of these parties to explore future collaboration possibilities. However, these discussions did not develop into formal negotiations or agreements, and Ben Gvir has now explicitly forbidden his team from continuing even these initial contacts. Political analysts suggest that this stance may change as the election date approaches and polling data becomes clearer, with Ben Gvir possibly seeking to strengthen his bargaining position to secure better terms for Otzma Yehudit and minimize political costs associated with any alliance.

The situation is further complicated by a complete breakdown in relations between Ben Gvir and Michael Ben Ari, the second-in-command of Zehut, despite their previous close political and ideological ties. This personal and political rift significantly diminishes the chances of a union between Otzma Yehudit and Zehut.

Ben Gvir's directive follows his recent public declaration at the "Israel Hayom" conference that he will not run jointly with Bezalel Smotrich, leader of Religious Zionism. He argued that Otzma Yehudit appeals to a broader electorate, including residents of Israel's periphery, a demographic he claims Smotrich does not reach. Behind these public statements lies a clear practical order to avoid opening dialogue channels, advancing technical bloc talks, or responding to offers from Religious Zionism and Zehut at this stage.

Otzma Yehudit and Ben Gvir have been contacted for comment, and any response will be published accordingly.