Israeli Ambassador Condemns Violence in West Bank, Discusses Political Future
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Israel's Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, condemned violence by Jewish rioters in the West Bank, calling for their prosecution. He also stated Prime Minister Netanyahu seeks a national unity government post-election, excluding Itamar Ben-Gvir from key security roles. The Otzma Yehudit party criticized Leiter's comments, viewing them as evidence of Netanyahu's plan to form a coalition with Gadi Eisenkot without them. Ambassador Leiter also shared an update on his son's severe injuries from a recent terrorist attack.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter condemned West Bank violence and vowed to prosecute offenders.
- Leiter stated Prime Minister Netanyahu aims for a unity government excluding Itamar Ben-Gvir.
- Otzma Yehudit claims Netanyahu plans a coalition with Gadi Eisenkot, excluding Ben-Gvir.
- Leiter's son Neria remains in a deep coma after a severe car-ramming attack.
- Leiter cited statistics on Jewish and Arab fatalities in the West Bank.
- Ben-Gvir was described by Leiter as a "representative figure" with limited policy influence.
Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, strongly condemned violence perpetrated by rioters in the West Bank, stating that lawbreakers must be brought to justice. Speaking in an interview with CNN following an attack on Washington Post reporter Heidi Levine, Leiter described the violence as "completely unacceptable" and emphasized Israel's need to improve its efforts in prosecuting Jewish offenders. He cited Prime Minister Netanyahu's determination in government meetings to halt this phenomenon. Leiter presented statistics indicating that in 2025, 26 Jews were murdered by Palestinian terrorists, compared to two Arabs killed by Jewish rioters. He estimated that out of approximately 600,000 Jewish residents in the West Bank, only 50 to 200 individuals are involved in such violence, vowing, "We must stop them. They will be arrested. They will be brought to justice."
Ambassador Leiter also shared personal details about his son, Neria, who was severely injured in a car-ramming attack last month on Route 443. Neria sustained a severe head injury and underwent extensive brain surgery. While his condition has shown some improvement, allowing him to breathe independently, he remains in a deep coma. Leiter expressed gratitude for the prayers and support for his son.
Addressing Israeli politics, Ambassador Leiter stated that Prime Minister Netanyahu desires a broad national unity government after the upcoming elections. He clarified that Netanyahu has indicated Itamar Ben-Gvir would not serve as Minister of Defense or National Security, characterizing Ben-Gvir as primarily a "representative figure" with limited actual influence over police policy. The Otzma Yehudit party responded to Leiter's remarks, interpreting them as proof of Netanyahu's intention to form a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot, excluding Ben-Gvir and his party. They accused Netanyahu of using the ambassador to reassure foreign audiences and signal a departure from the current government's composition.
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