Netanyahu Meets With Far-Right Leaders Amid Coalition Talks

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, leaders of the far-right Otzma Yehudit and Religious Zionism parties respectively, for a meeting. The invitation comes as coalition negotiations are underway following the recent general election. Despite the meeting, Otzma Yehudit has stated that they will not run together with Religious Zionism in the upcoming Knesset elections, indicating potential friction between the two parties even as they are courted by Netanyahu.

This development occurs within the broader context of coalition formation, where Netanyahu's Likud party is seeking to establish a governing majority. The inclusion of parties like Otzma Yehudit and Religious Zionism is crucial for forming a right-wing coalition, but their internal dynamics and demands present significant challenges for the Prime Minister. The specific agenda for the meeting between Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, and Smotrich was not detailed, but it is expected to focus on ministerial portfolios and policy agreements.