Ben Gvir Claims Netanyahu Promised Exclusion of His Party from Government
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir claimed on Sunday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office had assured several European Union countries that his Otzma Yehudit party would be excluded from the next government. In a media statement, Ben Gvir stated that he received this information recently, suggesting that Netanyahu may be planning to replace his current right-wing coalition partners with Gadi Eisenkot's party.
Ben Gvir alleged that an explicit message was conveyed to European officials indicating that Netanyahu does not intend to include Otzma Yehudit in the next government. He expressed his shock and disappointment, questioning why Netanyahu, who has praised his reforms, would consider such a move.
The minister linked his allegations to discussions among Likud officials regarding the potential formation of a broad coalition with Eisenkot, as well as Netanyahu's desire to retain control of the National Security Ministry. He recounted being told that Netanyahu aims to conclude his term with broad public support, appealing to both right and left.
In a direct address to Netanyahu, Ben Gvir cautioned against seeking support from the political left, asserting that such efforts would be futile. He warned that Likud's strategy to weaken Otzma Yehudit ahead of the elections could jeopardize the right-wing bloc's chances of forming a government. He emphasized that if Otzma Yehudit loses strength, its voters may not turn to Likud, potentially leading to lower voter turnout.
Ben Gvir's Continued Support for Netanyahu
Despite his criticisms, Ben Gvir reaffirmed his support for Netanyahu, stating that a vote for Otzma Yehudit is effectively a vote for Netanyahu as prime minister. He called for increased backing for his party to ensure a strong right-wing government rather than a weak centrist one.
Approved for Dissemination
In response, Likud categorically rejected Ben Gvir's allegations, labeling them as false political spin. The party emphasized that Netanyahu has expressed a commitment to maintaining partnerships with current coalition members while inviting other Zionist parties to join based on governing principles. Likud urged right-wing voters to support them to prevent a government led by Eisenkot in collaboration with left-wing and Arab parties, ensuring the continuation of their security policies.
The confrontation occurred shortly after Netanyahu was questioned about whether his envisioned broad government would include Ben Gvir's party. Netanyahu reiterated the importance of retaining key ministries within Likud while affirming that the coalition would remain intact, highlighting the successful collaboration with other coalition members.
