Netanyahu may seek broad national government after election, sources in Ben-Gvir's camp believe

Sources close to Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir claim that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already decided to form a broad national government after the upcoming election, even if it means excluding Ben-Gvir from the coalition. This shift in messaging, from a "full, full right-wing government" slogan to a "broad national government," suggests Netanyahu is attempting to take a more centrist approach.

Ben-Gvir believes Netanyahu aims to avoid positioning himself as the leftmost member of the coalition, with all partners to his right. If election results permit, Ben-Gvir thinks Netanyahu would prefer to include a figure from the opposing camp, possibly former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, while leaving Otzma Yehudit outside the government.

This decision is supported by Netanyahu's recent use of the term "broad national government," a change from the previous emphasis on a right-wing government. Ben-Gvir's associates also note Netanyahu's political relationship with Ben-Gvir during the campaign, including Netanyahu's absence from the Altalena event and surplus-vote agreements with right-wing parties, which they interpret as attempts to create greater separation between the Likud and Otzma Yehudit.

The main argument from Ben-Gvir's associates is based on Netanyahu's political conduct over the years, suggesting the current right-wing government was an exception and not his natural preference. They point to instances where Netanyahu included left-leaning parties in his coalitions, such as Ehud Barak in 2009 and Tzipi Livni in 2013.

Furthermore, in 2015, Netanyahu formed a narrow government with just 61 Knesset seats, and only later added Yisrael Beytenu. After the 2019-2020 election cycles, Netanyahu formed a parity government with Benny Gantz, effectively abandoning the pursuit of broad judicial reform and allowing the Justice Ministry to be placed under Avi Nissenkorn of Blue and White.

Ben-Gvir's associates believe that if the right-wing bloc wins 61 seats or more, Netanyahu may opt for a broader government, potentially including a centrist or opposing party, in order to present a more statesmanlike term in office. However, this could also be Netanyahu's final term, and he may prioritize the legacy he leaves behind.