Otzma Advisers Say Ben Gvir Rejected Smotrich Merger Too Quickly

Sources inside Otzma Yehudit said some advisers believe Itamar Ben Gvir rejected a joint election slate with Bezalel Smotrich too quickly and want the option examined more carefully after Ofer Winter entered the race. Ben Gvir convened close advisers at the party’s Lod headquarters on Friday for a meeting expected to include Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public pressure for a merger. Otzma denied any internal division, called the report a false briefing from Netanyahu’s office, and said its decision remains final. Ben Gvir has argued that a joint run would cost Otzma three to four seats and endanger a right-wing government.