Ben-Gvir Accuses Netanyahu of Promising EU Leaders He Won't Be in Next Government
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir alleged that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office promised European Union countries that Ben-Gvir would not be included in the next government. Ben-Gvir expressed sorrow over the verified information and warned Netanyahu against seeking left-wing legitimacy. He urged right-wing voters to support his party for a strong right-wing government. The Likud party denied Ben-Gvir's claims, calling them political spins and affirming their commitment to the current coalition's partners.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir claims Netanyahu's office promised EU countries he won't be in the next government.
- Ben-Gvir stated the information was verified and expressed deep sorrow over the alleged commitment.
- He warned Netanyahu against seeking legitimacy from the left and urged support for his party.
- The Likud party denied Ben-Gvir's allegations, calling them false political spins.
- Likud stated Netanyahu affirmed the inclusion of current coalition partners in any future government.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir claimed on Sunday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office had officially committed to several European Union countries that Ben-Gvir would not be part of the next government. Ben-Gvir stated that this information, which he received in recent days and verified, was deeply saddening.
"I am saying the following with deep sorrow, after a long period hearing such reports, but I prayed they were not true," Ben-Gvir said. He added that a clear message was conveyed to EU foreign ministers and higher-ranking officials that Netanyahu does not intend to include him in the upcoming government.
Addressing Netanyahu directly, Ben-Gvir warned against seeking legitimacy from the left, stating, "I tell you, Mr. Prime Minister: Save the effort, do not count on legitimacy from the left." He asserted that Netanyahu would be remembered favorably by Jewish history if he defeats Israel's enemies, saves Israeli democracy from a "jurist's coup," and leads a right-wing policy.
Ben-Gvir also recalled past support he provided to Netanyahu, including preventing ouster attempts from within the Likud party. He claimed Netanyahu had told him at the time that he could trust Ben-Gvir more than his Likud colleagues. He urged the right-wing public to vote for his party, Otzma Yehudit, as an automatic vote for Netanyahu, but stressed the need for a strong Ben-Gvir to ensure a "real, strong right-wing government, not a weak center government."
The Likud party rejected Ben-Gvir's claims, calling them "false political spins" and "friendly fire." They stated that Netanyahu had clarified that any government would include the current coalition partners and that any Zionist party would be invited to join based on their principles and the current composition. The Likud urged votes for their party to prevent a left-wing government and complete necessary security tasks with American support.
