Ben‑Gvir Criticizes Netanyahu Over Smotrich‑Feiglin Merger Rumors, Smotrich Calls for Unity

Israeli far‑right leader Benny Ben‑Gvir publicly rebuked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after reports surfaced that National Union leader Bezalel Smotrich was negotiating a merger with the far‑right Likud faction led by Yair Feiglin. Ben‑Gvir’s criticism came amid a broader debate over the future composition of Israel’s governing coalition. In response, Smotrich posted a brief statement on Twitter/X urging that “the time for unity and responsibility is now,” distancing himself from the back‑and‑forth and signaling a desire to consolidate right‑wing forces. The tweet may prompt other coalition partners to weigh their positions on the proposed merger and could shape the next round of coalition talks.