Netanyahu Denies Reports of Excluding Ben-Gvir From Next Government
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Itamar Ben-Gvir will be a senior minister in his next government, dismissing Ben-Gvir's claims that Netanyahu had promised European nations he would be excluded. The Likud party accused Ben-Gvir of spreading false political spins amid a dispute over ministerial positions, particularly the Defense Ministry. Netanyahu has indicated that key security roles will remain with Likud, while Ben-Gvir has expressed his desire for the Defense portfolio.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Itamar Ben-Gvir will be a senior minister in his government.
- Netanyahu dismissed Ben-Gvir's claims of promises made to European countries regarding his exclusion.
- The Likud party accused Ben-Gvir of spreading false political spins and engaging in internal conflict.
- A key dispute involves Ben-Gvir's demand for the Defense Ministry, which Netanyahu intends to keep.
- Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter reportedly suggested Ben-Gvir would not return as National Security Minister.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has moved to quell rumors regarding the inclusion of Itamar Ben-Gvir, chairman of Otzma Yehudit, in his upcoming government. In closed conversations and an official statement from his office, Netanyahu clarified that Ben-Gvir would serve as a senior minister in his government, urging the public not to believe Ben-Gvir's "spin."
Netanyahu's statement directly counters Ben-Gvir's claims that the Prime Minister's office had officially committed to several European Union countries that he would not be part of the next government. Ben-Gvir asserted he had "verified and confirmed information" that this message was explicitly conveyed to foreign ministers or higher-ranking officials, expressing regret over the situation.
The Likud party strongly refuted Ben-Gvir's allegations, labeling them as "false political spins" and "friendly fire." According to Likud, Netanyahu has indicated that any future government will be based on the current coalition partners, with any Zionist party agreeing to the foundational principles being invited to join.
The core of the coalition dispute centers on the allocation of ministerial portfolios. Ben-Gvir has publicly stated his intention to seek the Defense Ministry, but Netanyahu reiterated at a recent event in Acre that these key security portfolios would remain with the Likud party.
Further escalating tensions, Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter reportedly told CNN that Netanyahu desired a broad unity government and that Ben-Gvir would not return as Minister of National Security. Otzma Yehudit denied reports of a de-escalation call between Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir, suggesting it was part of a maneuver to remove them from the coalition and bring in Gadi Eisenkot, though Eisenkot himself has rejected the idea of joining a Netanyahu government.
Mentioned
