Ben-Gvir courts disappointed Likud, Shas voters, pushes for fully right-wing government

Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, is positioning himself to attract disillusioned voters from the Likud and Shas parties, while advocating for the establishment of a fully right-wing government. This strategy emerged amid growing frustration among certain segments of Likud’s base, particularly its more conservative factions, who feel sidelined during internal party dynamics. Ben-Gvir’s approach follows a series of developments within Likud, including the sidelining of several prominent figures associated with the party’s right wing. These individuals, many of whom hold key positions such as ministers and members of Knesset, reportedly sought to align themselves with Otzma Yehudit, drawn by the party’s rising popularity and perceived strength in polls. According to statements made by Ben-Gvir during a radio interview, four current ministers and four sitting Knesset members have expressed interest in joining Otzma Yehudit, citing their confidence in the party’s prospects. Despite these overtures, Ben-Gvir has maintained a clear distinction between Likud and Otzma Yehudit, emphasizing that the two parties remain separate entities. He reiterated this stance during the same interview, stating, “Likud is Likud, Otzma is Otzma. I wish them success in Likud.” His remarks suggest a strategic intent to court disaffected Likud supporters without directly challenging the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In parallel, Otzma Yehudit is mounting a campaign against the formation of a “broad government” post-election, which would include coalition partners from the center and left. The party views such a government as a threat to its ideological goals and seeks to mobilize support for a more ideologically cohesive right-wing administration. This push is framed as an effort to deepen the divide within the broader right-wing bloc, potentially pressuring Netanyahu from within his own party. The party’s messaging emphasizes inclusivity, aiming to appeal to a wide range of voters, including ultra-Orthodox communities, religious adherents, traditionalists, and even secular citizens. This broad-based approach reflects an attempt to consolidate support beyond the typical base of far-right parties, drawing in those who might otherwise be hesitant to back more extreme platforms. The timing of this strategy coincides with ongoing tensions within Likud, where some members have expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s direction and the influence of Netanyahu. A recent poll suggested that certain figures within Likud could command up to five additional seats if they were to break away, highlighting the potential impact of such a shift. Meanwhile, the emergence of Otzma Yehudit as a competitive force adds complexity to the political landscape. The party is not alone in targeting disenchanted Likud voters; another group led by Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter is also vying for the same demographic. This competition underscores the volatility of voter sentiment and the challenges faced by established parties in retaining their core constituencies. MK Tally Gotliv, a member of Likud, has alleged that discussions took place between Ben-Gvir and Netanyahu regarding the inclusion of Gotliv in a potential coalition. While the specifics of these talks remain unclear, the claim highlights the intricate power dynamics at play and the potential for further realignments in the coming months. As the political season progresses, the focus will likely shift toward the results of upcoming elections and the subsequent negotiations for forming a government. The strategies of parties like Otzma Yehudit will be closely watched, as they seek to reshape the political landscape in Israel.