Ben-Gvir rules out running with Smotrich for elections, says parties are 'fundamentally different'

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has ruled out running jointly with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionist Party in future elections, citing fundamental differences in their voter bases. In a radio interview, Ben-Gvir warned against a broad unity government and defended his hard-line policies on Gaza and security prisons.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir told 103FM on Monday that he has ruled out another joint election run with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionist Party, arguing that the two parties appeal to fundamentally different electorates. Ben-Gvir said Smotrich appeals to a specific sector within religious Zionism, while he himself appeals to all Israelis—secular, traditional, and from all regions. He warned against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reported drive for a broad unity government with Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett, questioning how such a coalition could pursue judicial reform or dismiss the attorney-general. Ben-Gvir also defended his hard-line approach in Gaza, opposing cooperation with the proposed Peace Council and advocating for encouraging emigration. He claimed his presence in the security cabinet has influenced Netanyahu on many issues. Regarding security prisons, Ben-Gvir asserted that conditions have changed under his tenure, with terrorists now fearing imprisonment, contrasting with past permissive conditions.