Ben-Gvir Announces 'Very Important' Statement Amid Tensions With Netanyahu
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir announced a "very important" political statement amid a dispute with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the Defense Ministry. Netanyahu stated the portfolio would remain with Likud, prompting Ben-Gvir's party to accuse the Prime Minister of planning to exclude them from the next coalition. Ben-Gvir suggested public support would influence Netanyahu's decision regarding the Defense Ministry.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir will make a "very important" political statement Sunday evening.
- The statement follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to grant Ben-Gvir the Defense Ministry.
- Ben-Gvir's party, Otzma Yehudit, claims Netanyahu plans to exclude them from the next coalition.
- Ben-Gvir stated public support would determine if he receives the Defense Ministry.
- Ben-Gvir recalled past instances where Netanyahu opposed his ministerial appointments.
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir announced Sunday he would deliver a "very important" political statement at 6:10 PM. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Ben-Gvir's demand for the Defense Ministry portfolio. Netanyahu had previously clarified that the Defense Ministry would remain with the Likud party.
Following Netanyahu's clarification, Otzma Yehudit, Ben-Gvir's party, claimed the decision indicated an intention to exclude Ben-Gvir from the next coalition. The party asserted that Netanyahu's statements, which also indicated the Likud would retain the National Security and Justice ministries, suggested a plan to remove Ben-Gvir and Otzma Yehudit from the coalition, replace them with Gantz, and give these portfolios to the left.
When asked in an interview with C14 what he would do if Netanyahu decided to keep the Defense Ministry with Likud, Ben-Gvir responded that the decision "depends less on Netanyahu and more on the public." He stated that if the public wants him and Netanyahu together and strong, and if they want him as Defense Minister, they must vote for him in large numbers. "If he chooses me in large numbers, I assume Netanyahu will give me this role," Ben-Gvir said.
Ben-Gvir also reflected on his past relationship with Netanyahu, stating he felt "hurt" by him. He recalled that before the previous elections, Netanyahu had publicly stated he would not allow Ben-Gvir to be National Security Minister, even if he were part of the coalition. Ben-Gvir noted that despite this, the public voted for him, and Netanyahu eventually appointed him to the role.
