Netanyahu Initiates Coalition Talks to Secure Right-Wing Bloc Stability
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held discussions with Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to secure the right-wing bloc, while some ultra-Orthodox leaders reportedly declined initial outreach.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has initiated contacts with right-wing faction leaders to preserve the political bloc following the elections for the 26th Knesset. Netanyahu spoke with Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir and Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich, assuring them of his commitment to maintaining the coalition and standing by his political partners.
Simultaneously, the Prime Minister's Office attempted to schedule talks with leaders of the ultra-Orthodox parties, though some reportedly declined to converse at this stage. According to media reports, refusers include Eliyahu Stark of the Belz Hasidic dynasty and Shas leader Aryeh Deri amid ongoing post-election deliberations.
The conversation with Ben Gvir follows acute tensions that surfaced during the recent electoral campaign. Ben Gvir had previously criticized the prime minister, alleging plans to form an alternative administration alongside Gadi Eisenkot while excluding Otzma Yehudit.
In contrast, Netanyahu held an emergency discussion with Smotrich prior to the closure of polling stations, driven by right-wing concerns over voter turnout within the Arab sector. The two coordinated joint mobilization efforts to encourage voter participation as evening approached.
These coalition outreach efforts form a central pillar of Netanyahu's strategy ahead of upcoming government formation talks. In his address following the publication of exit polls, he emphasized the necessity of establishing a robust national-rightist government while rejecting any reliance on Arab factions.
