Netanyahu Urges Ben Gvir and Smotrich to Unite to Prevent Right-Wing Loss

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly called on National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to unite their factions into a single list ahead of upcoming elections. Netanyahu emphasized that previous attempts where the right-wing camp ran separately resulted in losses, urging them to overcome personal differences for the sake of right-wing unity. He stated, "Ben Gvir, do not bring down the right. I do not believe you are willing to risk the right-wing over personal ambitions."

Ben Gvir responded by accusing Netanyahu of wanting a weakened Otzma Yehudit party to facilitate a coalition with Benny Gantz and a broad national government. He insisted that only a strong Otzma Yehudit combined with Smotrich and Winter could form a fully right-wing government. Netanyahu replied, warning that Smotrich is close to the electoral threshold and that failure to unite would lead to a left-wing government including Gantz, Yair Golan, and Arab parties.

Smotrich also weighed in, calling for unity and responsibility within the national camp. Ben Gvir later argued that polls show a joint list with Smotrich would cost Otzma Yehudit 3-4 seats due to voter abstention, potentially causing the right-wing government to collapse. He referenced Netanyahu's own suggestion that a Smotrich-Winter alliance would best capture undecided voters, as Winter does not attract any.

The public exchange highlights tensions within the right-wing bloc as they prepare for elections, with Netanyahu pushing for consolidation to avoid splitting votes and risking a left-wing government formation.