Likud launches sharp attack on Ben Gvir: Paving the way for a left-wing government

The Likud party launched a direct attack on National Security Minister and Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben Gvir on Friday over the deadlock in efforts to unite the right-wing bloc. In a statement, the party accused Ben Gvir of risking the loss of tens of thousands of right-wing votes by refusing to join forces with Religious Zionist Party chairman Bezalel Smotrich. Likud claimed this refusal paves the way for a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, supported by Avigdor Liberman, Yair Golan, and Arab parties. The party urged Ben Gvir to overcome his personal ego and show maturity for the sake of the right and the Land of Israel. Likud warned that an alternative government would undo the achievements of the Netanyahu administration, including construction in Judea and Samaria and security operations, and would likely pursue the establishment of a Palestinian state while yielding to international pressure.