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Netanyahu Slams Ben-Gvir Over Claims of EU Deal

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 nine days before the October 27 election, Ben-Gvir described the information as verified and confirmed, stating that explicit messages had been conveyed to European foreign ministers and senior officials.

13 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 18 Oct, 16:25

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Netanyahu Slams Ben-Gvir Over Claims of EU Deal — Illustration by baba

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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 has verified information that this commitment was officially conveyed to European foreign ministers.
03The accusation escalates political tensions between the coalition partners nine days before the October 27 election.
04Ben-Gvir warned that weakening Otzma Yehudit could cause right-wing voters to boycott the election and prevent the formation of a right-wing government.
05The Likud party rejected Ben-Gvir's claims, calling them false political spins, lies, and friendly fire.
06Likud affirmed Netanyahu's commitment to including current coalition partners in any future government.
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 expressed deep sorrow over the alleged commitments, which he claimed were made to gain international legitimacy. He warned Netanyahu against seeking approval from the left or incorporating centrist figures like Gadi Eisenkot, arguing that weakening Otzma Yehudit would jeopardize the right-wing bloc's ability to form a government. Despite the dispute, Ben-Gvir reaffirmed his support for Netanyahu as Prime Minister.

The Likud party vehemently denied the accusations, calling them false political spins, lies, and friendly fire. Likud asserted that Netanyahu is committed to including current coalition partners in any future government. The party urged right-wing voters to unite behind Likud to prevent a potential left-wing government led by Gadi Eisenkot alongside Arab parties, Yair Golan, Avigdor Lieberman, and Naftali Bennett.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 11 newsrooms. Updated 01:16