Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir has urged Israeli citizens to cast their ballots on election day, warning that an opposition victory could lead to what he described as a “Mansour Abbas government.”
Speaking to reporters and supporters at a polling station, Ben-Gvir stressed that his party could play a decisive role in shaping the next governing coalition. He declared that Otzma Yehudit would serve as the right-wing force influencing the government's direction.
Ben-Gvir Positions Party as Key Coalition Player
Ben-Gvir's remarks focused on the potential consequences of an opposition victory and the importance of voter participation. By invoking Mansour Abbas, the Israeli Arab politician who leads the United Arab List, he sought to frame the political contest around the influence different parties could exercise in a future coalition.
The Otzma Yehudit leader said his party had the ability to shape the coalition and would act as its right-wing marker. His comments highlighted the importance of smaller parties in coalition negotiations, where their parliamentary strength can influence government formation and policy priorities.
Defence Minister Role Remains Uncertain
Responding to questions about whether he would seek the Defence Minister's portfolio, Ben-Gvir said he was not currently engaged in coalition negotiations.
However, he suggested that taking the position would benefit Israel's military personnel and the wider public, describing the prospect as “good for the soldiers, good for the people of Israel.”
His remarks did not confirm whether he would formally seek the defence portfolio or whether the position had been discussed in any coalition talks.
Ben-Gvir's comments underline the political positioning of Otzma Yehudit as Israelis vote and parties look towards the formation of the next government. The eventual coalition arrangement and distribution of ministerial positions will depend on the election outcome and subsequent negotiations.
Relevant link: Israel's official government website
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