not everywhere· Politics· Updated 18 Oct, 19:41

Ben-Gvir Claims Netanyahu Promised EU to Exclude His Party; Likud Denies

On Sunday, October 18, 2026, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office of officially promising several European Union countries that his party, Otzma Yehudit, would be excluded from the next government. Speaking to the press, Ben-Gvir claimed to have verified and confirmed information that this commitment was formally conveyed to EU leaders and foreign ministers.

4 newsrooms · 2 languages · since 18 Oct, 18:21

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What happened

01National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office of promising EU countries to exclude Otzma Yehudit from the next government.
02Ben-Gvir stated on Sunday, October 18, 2026, that he possesses verified and confirmed information regarding this official commitment.
03The Likud party strongly denied the claims, calling them a lie and political manipulation by Ben-Gvir.
04Ben-Gvir warned that weakening his party would harm the right-wing bloc and urged Netanyahu not to seek legitimacy from the left.
05Likud stated that Netanyahu intends to keep current coalition partners and invite other Zionist parties to join the next government.
06Despite the public dispute, Ben-Gvir reaffirmed his support for Netanyahu to continue as Prime Minister.
07Likud urged voters to support them to prevent a government led by Gadi Eisenkot with Arab parties, Yair Golan, Avigdor Lieberman, and Naftali Bennett.

Ben-Gvir criticized potential coalition shifts, including the possibility of forming a government with Gadi Eisenkot instead of current right-wing partners. He warned that weakening Otzma Yehudit could endanger the formation of a right-wing government and urged Netanyahu to focus on right-wing policies rather than seeking legitimacy from the left. Despite the dispute, Ben-Gvir reaffirmed his support for Netanyahu as Prime Minister.

The Likud party vehemently denied the accusations, calling them a lie and political manipulation. Likud stated that Netanyahu intends to retain current coalition partners as the basis for the next government, while inviting other Zionist parties to join. The party urged voters to support Likud to prevent a government led by Gadi Eisenkot with the participation of Arab parties, Yair Golan, Avigdor Lieberman, and Naftali Bennett.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 4 newsrooms. Updated 18 Oct, 23:12

Latest report: Vesty. Read Vesty’s original