Ben-Gvir accuses Netanyahu of promising European countries to exclude his party from next government

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Sunday of assuring several European Union countries that his far-right Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party would not be included in the next government.

According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Ben-Gvir claimed to have obtained documented information indicating that Netanyahu’s office had communicated the commitment to European officials.

“According to confirmed and documented information that has reached me in recent days, the Prime Minister’s office has formally pledged to several European Union countries that Ben-Gvir will not be part of the next government,” he said.

Ben-Gvir added that the message had been conveyed to foreign ministers and other senior officials, informing them that Netanyahu did not intend to include Otzma Yehudit in his next coalition.

He did not identify the European countries allegedly involved or provide details of the reported commitments.

Netanyahu’s Likud party rejected the allegations, describing them as “false political maneuvers.”

In a statement, Likud said Netanyahu intended to retain his existing coalition partners in any future government he formed.

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The exchange comes amid growing tensions between Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir ahead of Israel’s parliamentary elections scheduled for 27th October, particularly over the distribution of ministerial portfolios and the composition of a potential governing coalition.

On Saturday, Otzma Yehudit accused Netanyahu of planning to form a unity government with former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot while excluding Ben-Gvir and his party.

Despite the dispute, Ben-Gvir maintained that voting for Otzma Yehudit would amount to supporting Netanyahu’s return as prime minister.

Earlier Sunday, Netanyahu expressed concern about his party’s electoral prospects during an interview with Israeli radio station 104 FM, which is affiliated with Maariv.

“We must ensure our victory; I am not confident that I will win, and I am very worried,” Netanyahu said.

He also stated that he would remain active in politics even if he lost the election.

Netanyahu is currently standing trial in Israel on corruption charges, including bribery, fraud and breach of trust, which he denies.

He also faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in November 2024 over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.

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