Ben-Gvir accuses Netanyahu of planning US-backed government without him
Israeli prime minister dismisses far-right minister’s allegations as an election tactic amid reports of US efforts to broker a unity government
WASHINGTON (AA) – Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday of preparing to exclude him from the next government as part of a reported US-backed political arrangement.
In a post on X, Ben-Gvir claimed Netanyahu had assured the administration of US President Donald Trump that he would form a unity government with opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot following the parliamentary elections, leaving Ben-Gvir out of the coalition.
The accusation followed a report by Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom suggesting that Trump was seeking to bring Netanyahu and Eisenkot together in a unity government.
According to the report, Netanyahu has privately indicated a willingness to distance himself from his far-right coalition partners to facilitate the expansion of the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements aimed at normalizing Israel’s relations with Arab countries.
The reported diplomatic efforts include pursuing normalization with Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu rejected Ben-Gvir’s allegations, describing them as a political maneuver intended to attract voters.
“How many times are you going to keep repeating this trick?” Netanyahu wrote on X.
The public exchange came as Israelis headed to the polls Tuesday to elect a new parliament and determine the composition of the next government.
The vote marks Israel’s first general election since the country launched its genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023.
Netanyahu has led Israel’s governing coalition since December 2022, relying heavily on far-right parties, including Ben-Gvir’s, to maintain his parliamentary majority.
The Israeli leader also faces mounting legal challenges.
He remains on trial in Israel over corruption allegations involving bribery, fraud and breach of trust. A conviction could result in imprisonment.
Separately, the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel’s military campaign in the Palestinian enclave has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians and wounded over 175,000 others.
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