Itamar Ben Gvir Mocks Netanyahu Over Right-Wing Unity Talks and Public Snubs
Itamar Ben Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party and Israel's National Security Minister, responded sharply to reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's pressure on him was part of negotiations to lower political demands. On Saturday night, Ben Gvir expressed surprise at claims that Netanyahu had mediated advanced talks between Bezalel Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin aimed at uniting right-wing factions, suggesting the calls for unity with him were staged to pressure Feiglin.
Ben Gvir criticized Netanyahu for avoiding public appearances with him, including at a ceremony commemorating the Altalena ship, and for orchestrating what he called cynical calls for party unity. He mocked Netanyahu by saying, "My name is Itamar Ben Gvir, not Benny Gantz," highlighting the Prime Minister's inconsistent approach toward him.
The exchange underscores ongoing tensions within Israel's right-wing political camp amid coalition negotiations and attempts to consolidate factions ahead of upcoming political challenges.
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