Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir clash over future Israeli coalition

Tensions have escalated between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party and Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit party ahead of the Israeli parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27. The dispute centers on the composition of the future governing coalition.

Reports indicate a contradiction regarding Netanyahu’s intentions. While some sources suggested Netanyahu held discussions to reassure Ben-Gvir of his party’s inclusion in the next government, Ben-Gvir’s party has denied these talks occurred. Instead, the party claims Netanyahu has signaled to various entities that Otzma Yehudit will be excluded in favor of Gadi Ayalon of the Yesh Atid party.

Ben-Gvir has publicly criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of attempting to replace his party with political rivals and suggesting that Netanyahu is seeking a unity government. Conversely, the Likud party has accused Ben-Gvir of using deceptive tactics to attract right-wing voters. The political struggle reflects a competition for the right-wing electorate, with Ben-Gvir aiming to secure enough seats to dictate coalition terms, while Likud seeks to maintain its dominance within the nationalist camp.