Ben Gvir Responds to Disqualification Bid, Cites Fear of Policy Changes

Following a request by several left-wing figures, including Zahava Galon, Moshe "Bogie" Ya'alon, and Omer Barlev, to the Central Elections Committee to disqualify Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and his Otzma Yehudit party from running for the Knesset, the party issued its first response. Otzma Yehudit stated that the request stems from Ben Gvir's successes in changing enforcement and incarceration policies during his tenure.

The party asserted that the demand for their disqualification is driven by fear that Ben Gvir will continue his policies in the next term. They highlighted the minister's achievements over the past four years, including reforms in prisons, arming civilians and security teams, demolishing illegal construction in the Negev, combating extortion and polygamy, and actions related to the Temple Mount, police, and prisons.

Otzma Yehudit concluded by directly addressing Barlev and Ya'alon, stating, "The dream of Omer Barlev and Bogi Ya'alon is to see Itamar Ben Gvir take his hands off the wheel. We have news for them: it will not happen!"