Smotrich: If Eisenkot wins, we can form a government with him together with Netanyahu

Bezalel Smotrich said at a meeting in Petah Tikva that if Gadi Eisenkot wins the elections, it would be possible to form a government with Eisenkot, Netanyahu, and himself. He clarified that he would not leave the right-wing bloc, stated he would continue as Finance Minister, and claimed that Ben Gvir prevented him from receiving the Religious Affairs portfolio.

Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party and Finance Minister, said at a meeting with residents in Petah Tikva that if Gadi Eisenkot wins the elections, a joint government could be formed with Eisenkot, Benjamin Netanyahu, and himself. Smotrich clarified that he is not leaving the right-wing bloc but did not rule out such a possibility. He stated his intention to continue serving as Finance Minister in the next term and mentioned that he had previously consulted with reserve Major General Moti Almoz. Additionally, Smotrich revealed that Itamar Ben Gvir prevented him from receiving the Religious Affairs portfolio in the last term, after demanding a split from Religious Zionism during coalition negotiations, which led to Shas receiving the portfolio.