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Changing tactics, Netanyahu embraces far-right legislator

With the elections a week away, opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to include ultranationalist Itamar Ben Gvir in his government.

Ben Gvir
Far-right parliament member and Utzma Yehudit party leader Itamar Ben Gvir speaks during an election campaign event on Oct. 23, 2022, in Tel Aviv, Israel. — Amir Levy/Getty Images

Less than two weeks ago, former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to share a stage with the rising star of the extreme right, ultranationalist Itamar Ben Gvir. This week, Netanyahu missed no opportunity to sing his praises.

What brought about this change? It seems that several of Netanyahu’s supporters from the Likud did not like the way he treated Ben Gvir. Not only did they side with the latter, but some even said they would vote for him. The Likud started to suffer in the polls.

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