Ben-Gvir rules out running with Smotrich for elections, says parties are 'fundamentally different'
The Otzma Yehudit leader said the parties appeal to different voters, warned against a unity government, and defended his policies on Gaza and security prisons
Assessment
The public split between Ben-Gvir and Smotrich signals a realignment on Israel's far right ahead of potential elections. By declaring their parties fundamentally different, Ben-Gvir is positioning Otzma Yehudit as a distinct brand rather than a junior partner. His warning against a unity government suggests he sees electoral advantage in polarization. The question is whether this fracture consolidates his base or weakens the religious Zionist bloc overall.