Tulkarm Governor Slams Ben-Gvir's Rhetoric as Electioneering

The governor of Tulkarm responded to statements made by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, asserting that Tulkarm is not an electoral pawn or a platform for incitement. Ben-Gvir had called for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority, its disarmament, and the arrest of its members, speaking near Tulkarm.

The governor characterized Ben-Gvir's remarks as a tactic to exploit Israeli fears of Palestinians for political and electoral gain. He argued that portraying Tulkarm and Qalqilya as a constant threat to Israelis, due to their proximity to Israeli cities like Netanya and Kfar Saba, is not a responsible security approach but rather a political strategy that fuels fear and deepens conflict.

On the anniversary of the October 7th attacks, the governor stated the focus should be on preventing future tragedies and protecting civilians, not on using past suffering to generate more fear and escalation. He emphasized that Tulkarm is not an electoral threat to Ben-Gvir and that the Palestinian people are not a tool in his political campaigns.

Instead of seeking votes by frightening Israelis or inciting against the Palestinian Authority, Ben-Gvir should recognize that true security is built on respecting human rights, ending the occupation, and establishing a political and security reality that ensures safety and dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis. The governor noted that Tulkarm and its camps have endured invasions, displacement, and sieges, but reiterated a desire for peace and security based on justice, freedom, and dignity, not fear and occupation.

He urged Ben-Gvir not to use Tulkarm as fuel for his election campaign or to exploit Israeli fears for political commodity. Tulkarm, like all of Palestine, seeks a just peace and will not accept being a scapegoat for fear or a platform for incitement.