As voters cast their ballots in parliamentary elections, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has leveled a serious accusation against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ben-Gvir claims that the Prime Minister is planning to form a US-backed unity government alongside opposition challenger Gadi Eisenkot, a move that would effectively exclude his current far-right coalition partners.
In a post published on X on Tuesday, Ben-Gvir alleged that Netanyahu had given assurances to the US administration that he would establish a unity government with Eisenkot following the election, specifically without the inclusion of Ben-Gvir. This claim follows a report by Israel Hayom suggesting that US President Donald Trump has been pushing for a unity government involving both Netanyahu and Eisenkot. According to that report, Netanyahu has indicated in closed-door discussions that he might be prepared to abandon his far-right partners to facilitate the advancement of the Abraham Accords, which aim to normalize relations between Israel and various Arab countries.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has dismissed the accusation, labeling it a calculated election tactic intended to mobilize voters. Responding to the claim on X, Netanyahu wrote, "How many times are you going to keep repeating this trick?" This public exchange underscores the significant tensions within Israel’s governing camp as the electorate determines the composition of the next government. Despite the reports and the public accusations, there is no evidence that a formal agreement to form such a government has been reached.
The current parliamentary elections are the first general polls held in Israel since the genocidal war in Gaza began in October 2023, a conflict that has resulted in extensive destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory. Netanyahu, who has led the government since late 2022, is also currently standing trial on corruption charges, including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, all of which he denies. Furthermore, the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for the Prime Minister regarding alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza war, a development distinct from his domestic legal proceedings. The outcome of this election will decide whether Netanyahu can retain power and which political forces will shape the future of the Israeli government.
