Netanyahu tells Ben Gvir and Smotrich coalition will stay together
Published · Updated
What happened
The Times of Israel live blog reported that Benjamin Netanyahu told Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich that their bloc would remain together. The reported remark came amid post-election coalition uncertainty and was presented as a senior-level political message about coalition continuity.
Why it matters
A public reaffirmation of coalition continuity can shape bargaining behavior inside the cabinet and Knesset before any formal coalition move is announced. It also narrows the near-term expectation that Netanyahu is about to widen his governing base through alternative partners.
Within the past 24 hours, live political reporting said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, "We are together and we are staying together." The statement is a fresh public signal from Netanyahu that he is reinforcing his current right-wing bloc rather than advertising an immediate search for alternative coalition partners. That signal matters because it bears on cabinet cohesion and on how much room the government retains for compromise on budget, security, and judicial matters in the coming days.
Watch for
Benjamin Netanyahu's office publishes a readout on coalition continuity or meetings with Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich by 2026-11-03 Otzma Yehudit announces support for or conditions on upcoming coalition votes in a faction statement by 2026-11-03 Religious Zionism issues a public position on remaining in the coalition or sets policy demands by 2026-11-03 The Knesset agenda for 2026-11-02 to 2026-11-03 shows coalition-sensitive votes delayed, fast-tracked, or withdrawn
Sources
- Live Updates | The Times of Israel · timesofisrael.com
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