Netanyahu Aide Denies Ben-Gvir Access to Prime Minister at Western Wall Event

During a large penitential service at the Western Wall on Saturday night, a notable incident occurred when National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was reportedly denied access to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu and his wife Sara were observing the event from the third floor of the plaza, while Ben-Gvir was on the second floor with other dignitaries. Ben-Gvir's aide approached Netanyahu's chief of staff, Ido Norman, requesting permission for Ben-Gvir to go upstairs to greet the Prime Minister. Norman refused, stating Netanyahu was "currently busy" and "unable to meet."

Sources close to Ben-Gvir expressed frustration, sarcastically remarking that Netanyahu was "busy" reading prayers and posing for photos, implying the refusal was politically motivated. They suggested Netanyahu was unwilling to be photographed with Ben-Gvir. Later in the evening, Ben-Gvir encountered Netanyahu by chance after the latter exited a restroom. Ben-Gvir remarked on being unable to join him upstairs, but Netanyahu offered only brief pleasantries before departing.

Insiders connected to Ben-Gvir claim Netanyahu has been actively avoiding public appearances and photo opportunities with the leader of the Otzma Yehudit party. The prevailing assessment is that this avoidance is a calculated political strategy by Netanyahu to regain two to three Knesset seats from moderate voters who have reportedly shifted their support to figures like Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman, and even Gadi Eisenkot.