Story perspectives

Netanyahu Invites Smotrich, Ben-Gvir for October 27 List

8/29/2026

Center

Netanyahu Calls Unity

Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir Sunday to discuss a list for October 27 election.
Likud warned that Ben Gvir’s refusal could cost tens of thousands of right-wing votes and enable a left-wing government.
Otzma Yehudit announced it will not join Smotrich under any circumstances and declined the meeting.
Bezalel Smotrich posted on X that time for unity is now, backing a joint run.

Left

Netanyahu summons allies

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Sunday to discuss a joint list for the October 27 election.
The meeting emphasizes Netanyahu’s reliance on loyalist patronage, deepening Likud’s decay and eroding democratic accountability.
Defence Minister Israel Katz secured a Likud list spot without a primary, reflecting loyalty-based appointments.
Former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who indicted Netanyahu, faced public threats, illustrating pressure on dissent.

Blindspot

Likud spokesman Guy Levy said the party intends to pass a draft law regulating Haredi military exemptions before a new government is formed.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

In June 1996 Israel held its first separate prime-minister election; Likud’s Benjamin Netanyahu narrowly beat Shimon Peres and built a coalition with Shas, United Torah Judaism and other small parties, controlling 66 of 120 Knesset seats. Ahead of the October 27, 2024 election, Netanyahu summoned Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to craft a joint right-wing list, mirroring the 1996 reliance on religious partners.

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Netanyahu Calls Unity

Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir Sunday to discuss a list for October 27 election.
Likud warned that Ben Gvir’s refusal could cost tens of thousands of right-wing votes and enable a left-wing government.
Otzma Yehudit announced it will not join Smotrich under any circumstances and declined the meeting.
Bezalel Smotrich posted on X that time for unity is now, backing a joint run.

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