Full Breakdown
Netanyahu’s Push for Right-Wing Unity Stalls as Ben-Gvir Rejects Merger
9/1/2026, 2:24:19 AM
Core Event: Standoff Over Right-Wing Party Mergers Ahead of the October 27 Election
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged far-right leaders Itamar Ben-Gvir (Otzma Yehudit) and Bezalel Smotrich (Religious Zionism) to join forces before Israel’s parliamentary election on October 27. Ben-Gvir has refused, saying his party will run separately. The emergence of Ofer Winter’s new People of Israel party adds complexity, with poll data suggesting Smotrich’s party could fall below the 3.25 % electoral threshold.
Background & Context
Israel’s proportional-representation system requires a party to secure at least 3.25 % of the vote for Knesset entry. In 2022, Netanyahu brokered a technical alliance between Otzma Yehudit and Religious Zionism that won 14 seats; the alliance later split, leaving several small right-wing parties competing for the same voters. Netanyahu warns that a fragmented right-wing vote could hand power to a centrist or left-leaning coalition.
Data & Statistics
- Kan poll (Sunday): Likud 21 seats (-1), Otzma Yehudit 7 seats (-1), Religious Zionism above threshold, People of Israel 5 seats. Opposition bloc 55 seats; coalition 52.
- Maariv/Lazar poll: Likud 20 seats, Otzma Yehudit 8 seats (-1), Religious Zionism below threshold, People of Israel 5 seats. Opposition bloc 59 seats; coalition 48 seats.
Official Statements & Responses
Ben-Gvir, in a video, accused Netanyahu of trying to “weaken the Otzma Yehudit Party” to enable a “broad national government” with centrist leader Gadi Eisenkot. He argued that only a combined Otzma Yehudit, Smotrich and Winter could form a fully right-wing government.
Ofer Winter, at his party’s launch on August 25 2026, warned that “what endangers the right-wing camp and the entire people of Israel are kites from Gaza,” emphasizing security over electoral calculations.
Criticism & Opposition
Likud’s statement challenges Ben-Gvir’s stance, asserting his refusal will “evacuate your house, Itamar.” Ben-Gvir labeled Netanyahu’s merger push a “cynical game” aimed at sidelining far-right elements, highlighting a deepening rift within the coalition.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am worried that this [People of Israel] party could do one of two things: either waste votes or cause one of the parties I mentioned to fall,” — Benjamin Netanyahu
- “'" "Only a large Otzma Yehudit, together with Smotrich and Ofer Winter running together, only in this way can a fully right-wing government be formed," Ben-Gvir said.” — Itamar Ben-Gvir
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Two recent polls diverge on Religious Zionism’s threshold status and differ by one seat for Otzma Yehudit. No source provides definitive post-election results, leaving the right-wing bloc’s composition uncertain.
What’s Next
Netanyahu says he will invite Ben-Gvir and Smotrich to a meeting “in the coming days” to discuss a joint slate. The outcome will determine whether the right-wing bloc can present a unified front for the October 27 election.
