Ben Gvir Criticizes Likud’s 'Broad National Government' Slogan, Likud Responds Calmly
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Itamar Ben Gvir criticized Likud’s campaign slogan suggesting a broad national government including left-leaning figures, warning it would harm right-wing policies. Likud responded that the slogan refers to the current coalition and is open to Zionist parties. Netanyahu had earlier expressed plans for such a government, which Ben Gvir also opposed.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Itamar Ben Gvir criticized Likud’s slogan implying a government with Benny Gantz and Gadi Eizenkot.
- Ben Gvir warned such a government would block judicial reforms and empower left-wing figures.
- Likud spokesperson said Ben Gvir’s concerns were campaign rhetoric and the slogan reflects the current coalition.
- Netanyahu previously announced plans for a broad national government excluding Arab parties.
- Ben Gvir called Netanyahu’s earlier statement "very troubling" citing past left-wing coalition failures.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Likud party released a campaign video featuring their slogan "Likud - Broad National Government," which sparked criticism from Itamar Ben Gvir, chairman of Otzma Yehudit. Ben Gvir expressed concern that the slogan indicated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s intention to form a government including Benny Gantz and Gadi Eizenkot, whom he described as left-wing figures undermining right-wing policies. He warned that a unity government with Eizenkot would derail judicial reforms and empower leftist commentators like Gali Baharav-Miara and Yitzhak Amit. Ben Gvir accused Eizenkot and Gantz of sabotaging military operations and demanding full concessions to Hamas, arguing that right-wing voters deserve a right-wing government.
In response, Likud spokesperson Guy Levy tweeted that Ben Gvir was not truly worried, explaining the slogan referred to the current coalition and openness to other Zionist parties, dismissing the idea of exchanging one boycott for another. Levy acknowledged Ben Gvir’s campaign rhetoric but reassured that the slogan’s meaning remained consistent.
Prime Minister Netanyahu had previously stated in a June press conference his intention to form a broad national government, excluding reliance on Arab parties, to achieve consensus and end boycotts. This statement also drew criticism from Ben Gvir, who called it "very troubling" and cited past governments including left-wing figures like Tzipi Livni and Benny Gantz as examples of failures that hindered decisive right-wing policies.
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