Israel Election 2026: What does Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit stand for?

The Jerusalem Post profiles Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party ahead of the October 27, 2026 Israeli election. The far-right party, founded in 2012, is running independently from Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionist Party. Ben-Gvir opposes a unity government with opposition parties, seeks to bar Arab parties from the Knesset, advocates for a harder-line security policy in Gaza including the 'Disengagement 710' plan for voluntary emigration of Gaza residents, opposes Palestinian statehood, and supports judicial reform. The party is polling at 8-10 seats.

The Jerusalem Post profiles Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party ahead of the October 27, 2026 Israeli election. The far-right party, founded in 2012 and led by National Security Minister Ben-Gvir, is running independently from Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionist Party after winning six seats in 2022. Its Knesset list includes former Likud MK Tally Gotliv, who joined after a falling-out with Prime Minister Netanyahu. The party is polling at 8-10 seats. Ben-Gvir has drawn red lines against a unity government with opposition parties, particularly Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party, and has petitioned to bar Ra'am from running, calling it 'Hamas-supporting terrorists.' On security, Ben-Gvir advocates for a shift from 'containment' to offensive action, including nightly strikes in Gaza and the 'Disengagement 710' plan for voluntary emigration of Gaza residents. He opposes ceasefires and hostage agreements that leave Hamas intact. On the West Bank, the party supports extending Israeli sovereignty. Domestically, Otzma Yehudit has backed judicial reform, opposed the attorney-general, and used coalition leverage to block budgets and advance legislation including the death penalty for terrorists bill passed in March 2026.