Ben-Gvir Claims PM's Office Promised EU He Won't Be in Next Government
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir alleged that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office promised European Union countries he would not be part of the next government. Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu not to seek legitimacy from the left and warned that weakening Otzma Yehudit could harm right-wing electoral prospects. He stated that a strong Ben-Gvir is essential for a strong right-wing government, not a weak centrist one.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir claims the Prime Minister's Office assured EU nations he would not be in the next government.
- Ben-Gvir urged PM Netanyahu not to seek legitimacy from the left, warning it would be futile.
- He warned that efforts to weaken Otzma Yehudit could cause its voters to boycott the election.
- Ben-Gvir stated that Netanyahu needs a strong Ben-Gvir for a strong right-wing government.
- He reminded Netanyahu of his past support against internal Likud challenges.
Minister of National Security and Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir stated on Sunday that the Prime Minister's Office had committed to several European Union countries that he would not serve in the next government. Ben-Gvir expressed deep sorrow over this information, which he claims to have verified. He asserted that a clear message was conveyed to EU foreign ministers and higher-ranking officials that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not intend to include him in his next cabinet.
Addressing Netanyahu directly, Ben-Gvir urged him not to seek legitimacy from the left, stating that historical recognition would come from genuine right-wing policies and actions against Israel's enemies. He warned Netanyahu against relying on the left, which he claimed would always hate him, and emphasized that Netanyahu needs a strong Ben-Gvir, not a strong Izraeli. Ben-Gvir also criticized efforts he believes are underway to weaken his party, Otzma Yehudit, suggesting that the Likud party is attempting to reduce Otzma Yehudit's support to five Knesset seats, which he claims directly endangers right-wing rule.
Ben-Gvir cautioned the Likud that harming Otzma Yehudit could lead their voters to stay home on election day, as Otzma Yehudit voters would not switch to other parties. He reminded Netanyahu of past instances where he supported him against internal Likud challenges, recalling Netanyahu's statement that he could trust Ben-Gvir more than his own party members. Ben-Gvir concluded by urging the right-wing public to vote for Otzma Yehudit, framing it as an automatic vote for Netanyahu, but stressing that a strong Ben-Gvir is necessary for a strong, genuine right-wing government rather than a weak centrist one.
