Ben-Gvir Claims Netanyahu Promised EU to Exclude His Party from Next Government
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir claims to have verified information that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office promised several EU countries that his party, Otzma Yehudit, would not be included in the next government. Ben-Gvir criticized potential coalition shifts and warned that weakening his party could harm the right-wing bloc's chances. He urged Netanyahu to pursue a strong right-wing agenda rather than seeking left-wing legitimacy. Despite the dispute, Ben-Gvir reaffirmed his support for Netanyahu as Prime Minister.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir alleges Netanyahu's office promised the EU to exclude Otzma Yehudit from the next government.
- Ben-Gvir presented his claims as verified information and expressed deep regret over the situation.
- He criticized potential coalition changes, including forming a government with Gadi Eisenkot.
- Ben-Gvir warned that weakening Otzma Yehudit could endanger the formation of a right-wing government.
- He urged Netanyahu to focus on right-wing policies and not seek legitimacy from the left.
- Despite the dispute, Ben-Gvir reaffirmed his support for Netanyahu as Prime Minister.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated on Sunday that he has verified information indicating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has officially committed to several European Union countries that his party, Otzma Yehudit, will not be part of the next government. Ben-Gvir expressed deep regret over this information, stating he had hoped it was untrue.
Ben-Gvir sharply criticized the possibility of Netanyahu forming a government with Gadi Eisenkot instead of his current right-wing partners. He asserted that the Prime Minister's office conveyed a clear message to EU officials, including foreign ministers, that Otzma Yehudit would not be included in the upcoming coalition. Ben-Gvir did not specify which countries received this alleged message or who delivered it from the Prime Minister's office.
The minister referenced previous reports by journalists Danny Zaken and Ariel Kahana, as well as statements from Likud-affiliated figures regarding the composition of the next government. He also cited remarks by Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, who reportedly told CNN that the next government would be a unity government excluding Ben-Gvir. Ben-Gvir also mentioned comments by Eli Goldschmidt and Minister Miki Zohar supporting the inclusion of Eisenkot, and claimed Netanyahu himself suggested Ben-Gvir would not serve as National Security Minister in the next government.
Ben-Gvir stated he was shocked by these alleged remarks and questioned Netanyahu's motives, especially given his pride in Ben-Gvir's reforms. He recounted speaking with Likud members who told him Netanyahu desires to conclude his final term with broad public consensus. Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu not to seek legitimacy from the left, arguing that true historical recognition would come from implementing genuine right-wing policies, defeating enemies, and reforming the judicial system.
He warned that attempts by the Likud to weaken Otzma Yehudit ahead of elections, potentially reducing its strength to five Knesset seats, could jeopardize the right-wing bloc's ability to form a government. Ben-Gvir cautioned that his party's voters might not shift their support to other right-wing parties if Otzma Yehudit is diminished. Despite his criticisms, Ben-Gvir reaffirmed his loyalty to Netanyahu, reminding him of past support and stating that a vote for Otzma Yehudit is a vote for Netanyahu as Prime Minister, but a strong Ben-Gvir is needed for a strong right-wing government.
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