Netanyahu calls for Otzma Yehudit and RZP to unite, Ben-Gvir signals his opposition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir and Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich to unite and run together in the upcoming election, stating that every time they have run together they have won, while running separately they have lost. Netanyahu argued that past electoral disasters occurred due to the parties running separately, and emphasized that a united front would help prevent a left-wing government led by opposition figures.

Ben-Gvir responded to Netanyahu's proposal in a video, suggesting that a smaller Otzma Yehudit party could join forces with other parties to form a broad national government, adding that he did not understand Netanyahu's video. Netanyahu responded in a post on X/Twitter, criticizing Ben-Gvir for attempting to weaken Otzma Yehudit party in order to form a broad national government with opposition parties, saying that according to polls, a connection between Ben-Gvir and Smotrich would reduce Jewish Strength by 3-4 mandates, and the right-wing government would fall.

Smotrich seemed to agree with Netanyahu's suggestion, writing in a post on X that it is time for unity and responsibility in the national camp.