Jerusalem: Likud, Israel's ruling party led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Friday for turning down Netanyahu's plea to merge with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party ahead of the upcoming elections.

According to Anadolu Agency, Likud issued a statement accusing Ben-Gvir of risking the rise of a left-wing government by refusing to join forces with Smotrich. The statement expressed concern that Ben-Gvir's decision could enable leaders like Gadi Eisenkot, Avigdor Lieberman, Yair Golan, and the Arab parties to form a coalition government.

The party questioned Ben-Gvir's commitment to a broad national government led by Netanyahu, emphasizing the achievements made in settlements in Judea and Samaria over the past four years. Likud warned that a government led by opposition parties could have severe consequences, including the eviction of Ben-Gvir and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Likud urged Ben-Gvir to put aside personal motivations and align with Smotrich, highlighting the potential risks of his current stance. Opinion polls suggest that Ben-Gvir's Jewish Power party could secure nine seats in the Knesset, whereas Smotrich's Religious Zionism party might not win any seats. Such an outcome could weaken Netanyahu's support base and bolster the opposition's chances of forming the next government.

The election, scheduled for October 27, is crucial for Netanyahu's political future as he faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Netanyahu's current government, described as the most right-wing in Israel's history, has been in power since December 2022. Additionally, Netanyahu is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes committed against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.