Ben-Gvir blasts Netanyahu over reported Smotrich-Feiglin merger talks, unity appeal

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over reports that Netanyahu mediated talks between Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich and Zehut Party founder Moshe Feiglin for a merger. Ben-Gvir alleged that a subsequent unity call from Netanyahu and Smotrich, urging Otzma Yehudit to join them, was a "staged call for unity" designed to pressure Feiglin. He expressed dismay, stating, "even the emotional call for unity is just a cynical game?!" This exchange follows recent tensions, including Netanyahu's public appeal for Ben-Gvir and Smotrich to unite for the upcoming election, which Ben-Gvir interpreted as an attempt to weaken his party and enable a broader government with Benny Gantz.