What's the story with Netanyahu and Smotrich not inviting Ben Gvir to their parties?

Netanyahu and Smotrich are tightening their cooperation ahead of the elections with joint campaign events and a unified command center, while excluding Itamar Ben Gvir. This exclusion may actually strengthen Ben Gvir and help Smotrich stay above the electoral threshold. Political strategist Nevo Cohen analyzes the move.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich are tightening their political cooperation ahead of the elections for the 26th Knesset. The two are holding joint campaign events and establishing a unified election command center, while leaving out of the partnership the chairman of Otzma Yehudit, Itamar Ben Gvir. Political strategist Nevo Cohen analyzes the move: the exclusion may actually strengthen Ben Gvir, who will present himself as a victim, and at the same time help Smotrich stay above the electoral threshold. The move is intended to preserve Netanyahu's power through Smotrich's grassroots.