Almog Cohen Slams Itamar Ben-Gvir Over Attacks on Netanyahu

A public dispute between members of the Israeli right-wing bloc escalated as Almog Cohen, a Knesset member set to join the Likud party, directly criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Ben-Gvir had previously accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of engaging in "cynical games" regarding calls for unity between himself and Bezalel Smotrich. Cohen responded sharply to Ben-Gvir's remarks, reminding him of a critical budget vote where Cohen defied Ben-Gvir's directive to vote against it, thereby preventing the government's potential collapse. "If not for me voting in favor against your instructions, you would be in the opposition in the best case, or in the gulag in the worst case," Cohen stated.

Cohen urged his former party leader, Ben-Gvir, to cease internal attacks within the right-wing camp, warning that disunity could lead to undesirable political outcomes, such as "Mansour in the cabinet." He implored Ben-Gvir to act responsibly, stating, "It is time for responsibility, Itamar."

The disagreement stems from a past incident where Cohen broke ranks with Otzma Yehudit, Ben-Gvir's party, by voting with the coalition on the budget. This act of defiance reportedly caused a rift between the two and contributed to Cohen's eventual departure from Otzma Yehudit. Following his move, Netanyahu appointed Cohen as deputy minister, and they have maintained a close relationship, with Netanyahu reportedly remembering Cohen's crucial vote.

Ben-Gvir's earlier criticism of Netanyahu came after he expressed surprise at advanced negotiations between Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin for a potential union. Ben-Gvir accused Netanyahu and Smotrich of orchestrating a public call for unity as a "cynical game" to lower Feiglin's demands. Ben-Gvir concluded his statement with a pointed remark to Netanyahu, stating, "Mr. Prime Minister, it is worth reminding you: my name is Itamar Ben-Gvir, not Benny Gantz."