Itamar Ben Gvir Rejects Netanyahu’s Call for Right-Wing Unity, Proposes Alternative Alliance

Itamar Ben Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party, sharply rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent call for unity between right-wing factions, specifically between Otzma Yehudit and the Religious Zionist Party led by Bezalel Smotrich. Netanyahu had urged the two to overcome their differences and run together in the upcoming elections to avoid splitting the right-wing vote, warning that division could lead to a left-wing victory as happened in 1992.

Ben Gvir accused Netanyahu of wanting to keep Otzma Yehudit small to maintain flexibility for forming a broad coalition with former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot after the elections. Instead of Netanyahu’s proposed merger, Ben Gvir suggested that Otzma Yehudit remain strong and independent, while Smotrich should join forces with the new party led by retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter. According to Ben Gvir, this configuration is the only way to ensure a "full right-wing government" after the elections.

Netanyahu emphasized the importance of unity in a video message, recalling past election outcomes where the right-wing won only when united. He announced plans to personally intervene to facilitate an agreement between Ben Gvir and Smotrich. Meanwhile, Ofer Winter, who recently entered politics with his party "Amcha Yisrael," declared his support for Netanyahu as the sole right-wing candidate for prime minister.

The debate unfolds amid concerns about vote splitting on the right, which could weaken the bloc’s overall electoral strength. Netanyahu’s call excluded Winter’s party from the proposed alliance, focusing solely on uniting Otzma Yehudit and the Religious Zionist Party. Ben Gvir’s rejection and alternative proposal highlight ongoing tensions within the right-wing camp ahead of the elections.