Ben-Gvir Claims Likud Wants Coalition with Eisenkot, Pushes Gaza Emigration

Minister of National Security and Otzma Yehudit Chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir stated on Sunday that five countries have offered to absorb 100,000 residents from the Gaza Strip in exchange for payment, and that this possibility remains on the table. Speaking at a "Dor" newspaper election conference in Jerusalem, Ben-Gvir identified encouraging emigration from Gaza as a key objective he intends to advance post-election. "There were five countries that told us: Bring 100,000 Gazans. These countries offered, give money, give Gazans," Ben-Gvir said, adding that the proposal is still active and, to his understanding, has not been halted by the Americans.

Ben-Gvir linked his party's ability to influence policy to its electoral strength, declaring, "With 15 mandates for Otzma Yehudit, there will be emigration from Gaza." He also addressed potential future government compositions, alleging that voices within the Likud party favor cooperation with Gadi Eisenkot. "We hear voices from the Likud who want to form something with Eisenkot. And we hear senior Likud members saying it's not so bad to let Gadi Eisenkot be Defense Minister," he stated. Ben-Gvir cited his exclusion from a "Saving the Right" conference as proof of these alleged intentions.

Despite these claims, Ben-Gvir reaffirmed his unwavering support for Netanyahu as the sole candidate for Prime Minister. He discussed his relationship with Netanyahu, noting that while the Prime Minister has praised his work, he disagreed with Ben-Gvir's vote against humanitarian aid. Ben-Gvir argued that these disagreements necessitate Otzma Yehudit's inclusion in the government to "guard the government from the right."

Ben-Gvir acknowledged some government successes under Netanyahu, such as the situation in Gaza and Lebanon, but expressed a desire for more aggressive policies, including "crushing the Palestinian Authority, conquering and settling all of the Gaza Strip, and encouraging emigration." He highlighted changes at the Temple Mount as a significant achievement, noting that Jews can now pray, sing, bow, and dance there, a stark contrast to previous restrictions.

Regarding nationalist crime in the West Bank, Ben-Gvir advocated for firm action against lawbreakers but distinguished this from what he termed the "persecution" of an entire public. He stated, "Anyone who goes to burn an Arab's house should be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law, but I stopped the phenomenon of chasing and harassing boys and girls who are settling the Land of Israel."

On the issue of Haredi conscription, Ben-Gvir criticized former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman, questioning their success in enlisting Haredim. Ben-Gvir asserted that during his tenure, over a thousand Haredim and Haredi female investigators were recruited into the police, with dedicated units established for them. He expressed his intention to apply a similar approach to IDF service, promising to "embrace them, give them all the conditions. They will come Haredi and leave Haredi."