National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said at the Israel Hayom Conference on Sunday that the national security portfolio will remain with his Otzma Yehudit party in the next government. He added that he and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich should run separately in future elections, arguing that Smotrich does not appeal to the periphery.
Speaking at the Israel Hayom Conference, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir staked out his party's electoral strategy, asserting that the national security portfolio — currently held by his Otzma Yehudit faction — will remain in its hands after the next election. He also called for a split electoral run with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, citing Smotrich's lack of appeal to the periphery, a term referring to Israel's outlying development towns and regions. The remarks underscore ongoing tensions within the religious-Zionist camp over coalition dynamics and voter bases.
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
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