Ben-Gvir Accuses Haredi Leaders of Cowardice and Incompetence

Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has sent a sharp letter to the heads of Haredi parties, accusing them of failing to properly represent their sector and blaming them for the current crisis, including recent arrests. Ben-Gvir rejected accusations against him, asserting that the Haredi leadership had not adequately addressed core issues such as conscription, budgets, and housing over the past four years.

He further claimed that at the beginning of the current term, he advocated for the dismissal of the Attorney General, while Haredi party leaders opposed this, believing they could manage her. Ben-Gvir argued that their attempt to appease her for the sake of appointments led to the current difficult situation.

Addressing the issue of conscription for Torah scholars, Ben-Gvir stated that if Haredi leaders had directed those not studying to specific conscription tracks, public pressure on genuine scholars would have decreased. He recounted that when he asked why they weren't doing this, they cited fear of the Jerusalem Faction, prompting him to ask, "Are you heroes against Ben-Gvir?!"

Ben-Gvir also mentioned the enlistment of approximately 1,400 Haredim into tailored police and prison service tracks and highlighted a bill for separate studies in higher education institutions, promoted by MK Limor Son Har-Melech, which he claimed was ignored and boycotted by Haredi MKs.

He further alleged that senior figures from Haredi parties had recently asked him not to approach their voters, but instead to focus on "lost Haredi votes." Ben-Gvir stated he agreed to this arrangement, questioning why he is now being blamed. He concluded by urging the Haredi leaders to respect their voters' intelligence and work for them, suggesting this would earn them greater appreciation.