Talks between New Right party leader Naftali Bennett and National Union head Bezalel Smotrich on a joint run in the Yamina faction are at a stalemate over an ideological dispute manifested in a row over who will get to fill the first 10 slots on Yamina's list in Israel's third election.
Bennett's close associates told Israel Hayom the New Right head informed Smotrich he would receive three of the top 10 slots for his party. Originally, Smotrich had demanded four, while Bennett offered two. Smotrich's associates have said no such offer was ever made. "Never happened," they said.
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Sources close to Bennett alleged that instead of responding to the offer, Smotrich gave an indignant TV interview, Saturday night.
This could just be part of the ongoing negotiations, but behind the scenes, the two have had difficult things to say about one another and steps have been taken that could result in them running separately for the Knesset.
In his Channel 12 News interview, Smotrich accused Bennett of taking religious Zionism "to the lowest place it's ever been."
"The only consideration is what coalition composition will allow us to promote and uphold a few values that are important to religious Zionism … to take responsibility for the State of Israel as we see fit. I am the only national religious party," Smotrich said.
"Bennett set off on his path in the New Right with 16 Knesset seats. We all remember how that ended. In the second round [of elections], Ayelet [Shaked] was put at the top [of the party list]. They were polling at 13 seats and ended up with seven. In the third round, he brought [religious] Zionism to the lowest place it's ever been with six seats."
Sources close to Smotrich said, "Bennet always waits until the last day to close the lists and then pushes you up against the wall. We won't let that happen this time around. We're going for a religious Zionist list. We're starting to prepare, but we aren't closing the door [on talks]."
Close associates of Bennet, however, said, "It looks really bad. Smotrich has decided to run on his own. He has decided to go all the way. There was a meeting between the two in which he said he has a poll that says he will get to six seats. Bennett told him if that's how it is, let's run separately. A few hours later, a poll was published saying he won't pass the electoral threshold. He's holed up. He's tearing the rope [that will save him]."
According to the sources, during their last meeting, Bennett and Smotrich agreed not to talk to the media, but Smotrich did just that with his interview on Saturday night.
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