Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of planning to form a US-backed unity government with opposition challenger Gadi Eisenkot while excluding his far-right allies, as Israelis cast ballots in parliamentary elections.
In a post on X, Ben-Gvir claimed on Tuesday Netanyahu had “promised the US administration that, following the election, he would form a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot -- and without Ben-Gvir.”
The accusation followed a report by Israel Hayom that US President Donald Trump was pushing for a unity government involving Netanyahu and Eisenkot.
According to the report, Netanyahu had signalled in closed-door discussions that he could abandon his far-right partners to advance the Abraham Accords, which seek to normalise relations between Israel and Arab countries.
Netanyahu dismisses accusation as election tactic
Netanyahu rejected Ben-Gvir’s claims, describing them as an attempt to mobilise voters.
“How many times are you going to keep repeating this trick?” Netanyahu wrote on X.
The public exchange highlights tensions within Israel’s governing camp as voters decide the composition of the next government.
A potential unity arrangement could reshape the country’s political alliances, particularly if Netanyahu were to seek a broader coalition at the expense of his far-right partners.
Neither the reported US push nor Ben-Gvir’s accusation, however, establishes that an agreement to form such a government has been reached.
Election unfolds amid Gaza genocide and legal challenges
The parliamentary elections are Israel’s first general polls since the genocidal war in Gaza began in October 2023, a conflict that has caused extensive destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Netanyahu, who has led the government since late 2022, is also standing trial on corruption charges, including bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He denies wrongdoing.
Separately, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with the Gaza war. The warrant is distinct from his domestic corruption proceedings.
The election outcome will determine whether Netanyahu can retain power and which political forces will shape Israel’s next government.
