Netanyahu pushes far-right unity, Ben-Gvir resists

Netanyahu was quick to launch a campaign to unite the far-right Otzma Yehudit and Religious Zionism parties ahead of elections.

Ben-Gvir has rejected the move, with his aides warning that an alliance with Smotrich could cost him votes to a new far-right party.

Netanyahu called for 'only a large Otzma Yehudit, together with Smotrich and Ofer Winter running together' to form a fully right-wing government.

Ben-Gvir signaled his opposition to the proposed merger.