Far-right lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir announced Friday his intention to split his Otzma Yehudit faction from Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionist Party.
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News come against the backdrop of ongoing coalition negotiations between Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu and the right-wing parties. Talks have reportedly stalled due to Smotrich's demand to be appointed the defense portfolio.
During his announcement, Ben-Gvir said he had spoken with Netanyahu and urged him to appoint Smotrich to the role. He added that Smotrich's desire to be given the defense portfolio is "legitimate" and would help the incoming government fulfill its "fully right-wing" vision. This includes establishing new Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria and halting illegal Palestinian construction in Area C, which is under full Israeli civil and security control.
Ben-Gvir stressed that he was still in the same bloc as Smotrich, calling on both the prime minister-designate and Smotrich to find a solution and form a right-wing government.
Earlier, US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides hinted to Netanyahu that the Biden administration opposed the idea of the defense ministry portfolio being given to Smotrich.
Reports also indicate that Smotrich is refusing to back down from his demand, turning down an offer of foreign minister.
This article was first published by i24NEWS.
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