Israel's National Security Minister Ben-Gvir Accuses Netanyahu of Personal Attack

Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to exclude him from the next government and distance himself from Ben-Gvir ahead of elections. In an interview with 103fm radio, Ben-Gvir, who leads the Otzma Yehudit party, stated that despite their close cooperation during the current term, Netanyahu seems intent on keeping him out of his election campaign. Ben-Gvir described these actions as a personal attack, emphasizing he still considers the Prime Minister a partner. He affirmed his commitment to achieving change in Israel, regardless of disagreements with Netanyahu.

Ben-Gvir acknowledged that his positions draw negative international reactions, citing his vote against sending humanitarian aid trucks to Gaza, which he opposed despite European countries' support. He believes his political future hinges on his party's performance in the upcoming elections, suggesting that a strong showing would make it harder to exclude them from a future coalition. He also expressed confidence that strengthening the right-wing bloc would benefit Netanyahu.

Addressing criticism from Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, a key figure in the Shas party, who declared it forbidden to vote for Ben-Gvir's party, the minister asserted he does not oppose the ultra-Orthodox community and believes he can persuade them to enlist in the military. Ben-Gvir also refuted claims by former minister Hili Tropper, who linked the refusal to ease prison conditions to Ben-Gvir's stance, arguing that Hamas terrorists engaged in murder and sexual violence long before any changes to inmate conditions. He rejected the notion that blaming his decisions for Hamas's actions would justify the group's crimes.

Furthermore, Ben-Gvir criticized past governments, including those involving Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot, arguing that a firm policy toward prisoners is essential for deterrence in the Middle East. He also identified Bennett as a political competitor, accusing him of using bots and artificially inflating online activity, while expressing readiness for direct political confrontation. Ben-Gvir recalled Bennett's government, which included Mansour Abbas's party, and accused the former premier of abandoning the right-wing camp's interests, noting Bennett's failure to enlist ultra-Orthodox men into the army during his tenure.

Separately, opposition leader Yair Lapid blamed both Ben-Gvir and Netanyahu for the current situation and pledged to end settler violence against journalists.