National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir declared Sunday evening that he and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich will not run on a joint slate in the next election, arguing that "to win, you need to run on two heads." The statement was posted on social media and reflects a deepening rift within the religious-Zionist political camp.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir announced on Sunday evening that he and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich will not run on a joint electoral slate, posting on social media: "Smotrich and I will not run together. To win, you need to run on two heads." The statement, made without elaboration, signals a formal end to the political alliance that brought the two right-wing politicians together in the 2022 election under the Religious Zionism party list. The announcement comes amid broader realignments on the Israeli right, with speculation about possible mergers and splits ahead of any future election. Ben Gvir did not specify whether he intends to lead his own separate party or join another existing faction. The statement was made as a public post and has not been followed by any official press conference or joint response from Smotrich’s camp.
2 developments
- DevelopingOfer Winter says he will not run with Smotrich, calls himself 'not sectoral'
- DevelopingRight-wing bloc facing unity crisis: Netanyahu confidant warns joint run impossible, Ben Gvir, Maoz, Winter go separate ways
- DevelopingBen Gvir tells advisers to cut off talks with Smotrich, Feiglin, Zehut party
- DevelopingPM mediates between Smotrich and Vinter to run together on one list
Source and signal
- Open-source intake