Ben Gvir Urges Haredi Public Not to Help the Left Form a Government

Itamar Ben Gvir appealed directly to the Haredi public on Sunday, urging them not to help the left form a government after last week’s election. In a message to supporters, he argued that remaining with the right-wing bloc was essential to protecting their interests. Ben Gvir alleged that political opponents were promising concessions on conscription in return for help establishing a government. He did not identify a specific offer or name the people making it. He warned that such cooperation would strengthen a judicial system that he accused of working against Haredi interests. “Do not make this historic mistake!” he wrote in his appeal. These were his political claims, rather than an announcement of an agreement between parties. The Otzma Yehudit leader also thanked his supporters and acknowledged disappointment with the number of seats his party had won. He said the party had increased its representation from six seats to seven while running independently, but that he had expected a larger result. His message combined that assessment of the election with the appeal over the next government. Ben Gvir said he hoped Otzma Yehudit would again work from within the government. He also promised continued political activity whether the party served in a coalition or in opposition. His statement did not announce a coalition agreement or set a date for negotiations.