Former MK Tzvika Fogel Criticizes Itamar Ben-Gvir After Leaving Otzma Yehudit

Following his departure from the Otzma Yehudit party, Knesset Member Tzvika Fogel has publicly criticized party leader and Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Fogel, who currently chairs the Knesset's National Security Committee, stated on social media platform X that Ben-Gvir informed him that Fogel's "state-oriented approach" was not compatible with the party's desired composition for the upcoming Knesset.

Fogel clarified that his decision to leave was not motivated by a desire to be appointed minister, contrary to some reports. He explained that Ben-Gvir had called him and expressed his intention to form a list for the next Knesset with a "different character." Fogel interpreted this to mean that his preferred method of operation, which he described as "state-oriented," did not align with Ben-Gvir's vision for the party's future.

In a previous post on the day of his resignation, Fogel had expressed gratitude for his service as a Knesset member and chairman of the National Security Committee, stating that the path for his continued work in the Knesset or future government was not as he had planned. He concluded that he would not run in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections with Otzma Yehudit, but affirmed that his "mission continues."