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
- DevelopingAnalyst Yaakov Bardugo chides Ben Gvir and Smotrich: 'Win the election first'
- DevelopingFinance Minister Smotrich says his party not committed to coalition negotiations or agreements
- DevelopingNetanyahu working to merge Smotrich and Ben Gvir to prevent wasted votes — report
- StrongSmotrich attacks IDF chief over reported refusal to meet, accuses him of joining 'witch hunt'
Source and signal
- Internal intake