A source close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Sunday evening that it will not be possible to field a unified right-wing slate in the next elections, according to journalist Nadav Elimelech. The warning comes as National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir repeatedly opposes running with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, MK Avi Maoz announced he will run independently, and Likud officials assess that a separate run by former general Ofer Winter could push Smotrich below the electoral threshold.
In a report published Sunday evening, journalist Nadav Elimelech cited a source close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning that the right-wing bloc will not be able to run a united slate in the upcoming elections. The assessment highlights deepening fractures within the religious-Zionist camp.
The Zioneer has previously covered the public rift between National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, including Ben Gvir's statement that the two will not run together. The desk also reported on MK Avi Maoz's intention to run independently and on former IDF general Ofer Winter's consideration of a separate party. According to the new report, Likud officials now assess that an independent Winter run could push Smotrich's party below the electoral threshold.
The warning from the Netanyahu confidant is the latest sign of fragmentation in the right-wing bloc, which has struggled to present a unified front ahead of elections. The situation remains fluid, with multiple potential slates and alliances still under discussion.
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