Likud Party Criticizes Ben-Gvir for Electoral Unity Refusal
Here's what it means for you.
The internal dynamics of Israel's right-wing coalition could influence regional stability and investment sentiment.
What happened
On August 28, 2026, Netanyahu's Likud party criticized Itamar Ben-Gvir for not forming a joint electoral list with Bezalel Smotrich ahead of the upcoming elections.
The Context
- Fragmentation risk: The Israeli right-wing bloc is facing challenges due to dissatisfaction with ultra-Orthodox concessions and new nationalist parties gaining traction.
- Historical precedent: Joint electoral runs between Ben-Gvir and Smotrich previously secured 14 seats in 2022, but their split allowed each to retain seven seats independently.
- Polling pressure: Ben-Gvir's Jewish Power party is currently polling between 7-8 seats, indicating potential losses if a merger occurs.
The Number
This range represents the parliamentary seats consistently polled for Ben-Gvir's Jewish Power party, crucial for maintaining influence in the coalition.
Takeaway
The upcoming meeting on August 30, 2026, between Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, and Smotrich will be pivotal in determining the future of the right-wing coalition.
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