Netanyahu urges Ben Gvir and Smotrich to unite as Winter’s new party surges in polls

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to form a united front, warning that a fractured right-wing bloc could lead to a significant electoral defeat. The call follows a recent poll suggesting that a new party led by Yaron Winter is gaining momentum, projected to win six seats, which would push the Religious Zionism party below the electoral threshold. Netanyahu cautioned that such fragmentation threatens the stability of the entire right-wing coalition. In response, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir dismissed the Prime Minister's concerns, accusing him of plotting to double-cross his political partners. These developments highlight growing friction within the right-wing camp as new political entities begin to reshape the electoral landscape.