Ben-Gvir rules out running with Smotrich for elections, says parties are 'fundamentally different'

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced his decision to rule out another joint election run with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionist Party. Ben-Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party, explained that the two parties cater to "fundamentally different electorates." He characterized the difference as "like heaven and earth," suggesting Smotrich appeals to a specific sub-sector within religious Zionism, while he aims to represent "all the people of Israel."

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The difference between the public that votes for them and the public that votes for me is like heaven and earth.

Ben-Gvir elaborated on his broader appeal, stating, "I belong to everyone. I belong to secular Israelis, traditional Israelis, Masuda from Sderot, Moshe from Kiryat Shmona and Greenbaum from Ramat Aviv." He acknowledged Smotrich as a "smart politician and a very talented minister" who deserves credit for his work with the settlement movement, but reiterated that Smotrich's appeal is to a "very, very specific sector."

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They appeal to a sector within religious Zionism; I appeal to all the people of Israel. I am everyone’s Itamar.

Beyond ideological differences, Ben-Gvir cited practical reasons for opposing a merger. He warned that "one plus one does not always equal two" and that sometimes "one party weakens the other." Ben-Gvir desires a right-wing government with a "very, very clear character" that "acts rather than one that is paralyzed." He believes running separately will strengthen the right-wing bloc.

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Sometimes these things clash. The problem is that one plus one does not always equal two. I want there to be a right-wing government, and for there to be a right-wing government, sometimes one party weakens the other.

Furthermore, Ben-Gvir expressed concern regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stated intention to form the broadest possible government. Ben-Gvir questioned how such a government, potentially including figures like Gadi Eisenkot and Benny Gantz, could effectively pursue judicial reform or other right-wing objectives. He stated, "I am honestly a little concerned about Netanyahu’s drive for a unity government with Eisenkot and Bennett. That is a drive that I do not understand."

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I am honestly a little concerned about Netanyahu’s drive for a unity government with Eisenkot and Bennett. That is a drive that I do not understand.