Ben-Gvir says Netanyahu 'doesn’t exactly answer' his phone calls as relationship sours

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "hasn't exactly answered my phone calls in recent weeks," indicating a strain in their relationship ahead of Israel's election. Speaking on Miki Levin's podcast for Maariv, Ben-Gvir expressed concern that Netanyahu might form a broad coalition excluding Otzma Yehudit, citing past instances in 2009 and 2013. He also posted videos directly appealing to Netanyahu, saying, "Netanyahu, you don't take pictures with me, you are boycotting me, it hurts me, I love you, I don't deserve this, where is your respect?" Despite these tensions, Ben-Gvir emphasized his continued desire to be part of a Netanyahu-led government, prioritizing policy issues like judicial appointments over personal grievances.