Ex-MK Il Ben Reuven Storms Out of Live Interview With Sharon Gal

Former Knesset Member and retired General Il Ben Reuven abruptly ended an interview on the "7 Sharon Gal" program Wednesday, hosted by Sharon Gal. Ben Reuven stated he would not discuss a Palestinian state but advocated for "separation from the Palestinians for demographic correction." He asserted that "rioters in Judea and Samaria are not a small group" and that the situation there represents "the most severe existential threat to the State of Israel today."

When asked about his discussions with foreign media regarding Judea and Samaria, Ben Reuven explained that antisemitism is not something Israelis cause but rather something they must contend with. He described a "disaster" where "people of our nation" behave in ways he finds morally unacceptable. Ben Reuven stated the purpose of his international discourse was to halt "unbearable actions by Jewish elements that I despise."

Responding to Gal's questioning about why he would approach foreign media, Ben Reuven said he currently feels unsafe walking in London with Hebrew text on his shirt. He blamed "Jewish terrorists," whose images he claims are broadcast internationally, for this situation, stating he is trying to stop it rather than fuel it.

Gal challenged Ben Reuven's assertion that Jewish violence is a greater danger than threats from Lebanon or Gaza, referencing Ben Reuven's past calls to end the war and claiming his assessments had failed. Ben Reuven countered that while the IDF achieved "tremendous achievements" during the war, the current government "failed in ending the war with a political achievement."

As the interview neared its end, Gal pressed Ben Reuven on his August 2024 call to withdraw from Philadelphi and Nitzana. Ben Reuven redirected the conversation to the present, emphasizing the importance of rescuing hostages. Gal accused Ben Reuven of advocating surrender and failing to admit error, prompting Ben Reuven to angrily declare the interview over, telling Gal, "Thank you very much Sharon Gal, continue interviewing yourself."