Campaign

Ben Gvir Rejects Netanyahu’s Call to Unite With Smotrich

Published

Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of Benjamin Netanyahu smiling at a table as Bezalel Smotrich leans in on his left and Itamar Ben Gvir gestures with a pen on his right, drawn in warm ochre and slate-blue pastel with cross-hatching on sepia newsprint.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir and Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich to run together, warning that a split could waste right-wing votes. Ben Gvir rejected the proposal, saying his polling showed a joint ticket would cost Otzma Yehudit three to four seats and arguing that Smotrich should instead run with Ofer Winter. Netanyahu replied that a technical bloc would strengthen the right. Smotrich urged unity, while Ben Gvir's aides said the proposed alliance would not happen.

Sources

Primary sources:12Secondary sources:3

People in this story

Related stories

  1. Smotrich and Feiglin Agree to Run Together in Technical Election Bloc
  2. Ben Gvir Accuses Netanyahu of Staging Unity Call to Pressure Feiglin
  3. Otzma Advisers Say Ben Gvir Rejected Smotrich Merger Too Quickly
  4. Smotrich and Feiglin Hold Advanced Talks on Technical Election Bloc
  5. Poll: Ofer Winter Run Would Push Religious Zionism Below Threshold, Opposition to 63

Something went wrong

We couldn't complete that action. Check your connection and try again.