Despite calls for wide coalition, Netanyahu reassures Ben-Gvir he will stay in government

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reassured National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir that any future government he forms would be based on the current coalition and its principles. This comes as Ben-Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party, campaigns to strengthen his party's position, warning that Netanyahu might otherwise exclude him in favor of opposition parties. Ben-Gvir and MK Tally Gotliv are touring the country, urging right-wing voters to support Otzma Yehudit to ensure its inclusion. Despite Netanyahu's direct reassurances and requests to cease the campaign, Ben-Gvir remains skeptical, fearing Netanyahu might seek a different coalition in a potential final term. A senior Likud official stated, "Ben-Gvir alone, without Smotrich, with a large number of seats, would be a major event for the right."