Ben-Gvir Urges Rival to Quit Knesset Race, Cites Past Electoral Failures
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Otzma Yehudit Chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Ofer Winter to withdraw from the Knesset race, warning of lost mandates for the right-wing bloc. Ben-Gvir cited his party's past failures to cross the electoral threshold, losing tens of thousands of votes in 2019 and 2020. He also expressed concern over Prime Minister Netanyahu's vague promises about his future ministerial role and criticized potential unity government with Gadi Eisenkot. Ben-Gvir stated he would seek the Defense Ministry if his party performs well, vowing to advance the conquest of Gaza and dismantle the Palestinian Authority.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Itamar Ben-Gvir urged Ofer Winter to quit the Knesset race, citing potential loss of mandates for the right-wing.
- Ben-Gvir reminded Winter of Otzma Yehudit's past failures to cross the electoral threshold, losing tens of thousands of votes.
- Ben-Gvir expressed concern over Prime Minister Netanyahu's vague assurances about his future senior ministerial role.
- Ben-Gvir criticized a potential unity government with Gadi Eisenkot as a "paralysis government."
- Ben-Gvir stated he would seek the Defense Ministry if Otzma Yehudit performs well, vowing to conquer Gaza.
- Ben-Gvir agreed with the sentiment that Palestinian Authority security forces should be eliminated.
Otzma Yehudit Chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir urged Ofer Winter to withdraw from the Knesset race, warning that a split candidacy could cost the right-wing bloc crucial mandates and hinder the formation of a government. Speaking in an interview on Channel 14, Ben-Gvir expressed concern that even a small number of lost mandates could prevent a "full-right" government from being established, emphasizing Otzma Yehudit's role as the "right-wing marker."
Ben-Gvir recalled his own past electoral struggles, noting that his party had twice failed to cross the electoral threshold, losing tens of thousands of votes in September 2019 and March 2020. He stated that Winter should demonstrate responsibility by withdrawing, especially since Ben-Gvir believes Winter's party is unlikely to pass the threshold.
The minister also addressed perceived mixed messages from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Ben-Gvir's future role in government. While Netanyahu has stated Ben-Gvir will be a senior minister, other statements, including from Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, have cast doubt. Ben-Gvir expressed concern over the vague title of "senior minister," questioning its specifics and Netanyahu's assurances.
Ben-Gvir also criticized the potential for a unity government that might include Gadi Eisenkot, calling it a "paralysis government" that would prevent the right from advancing its agenda on legal, security, and operational matters in Gaza and the north. He reiterated his desire for a strong right-wing government, asserting that Otzma Yehudit needs to be as large as possible to maintain a rightward direction.
If his party achieves significant electoral success, Ben-Gvir stated he would seek the Defense Ministry portfolio, citing his accomplishments in the National Security Ministry, such as establishing civilian security teams and implementing changes in the prison system. As Defense Minister, he pledged to advance the conquest of Gaza, encourage emigration, and dismantle the Palestinian Authority, noting his opposition to aid trucks and support for collapsing the PA.
Ben-Gvir also commented on the Palestinian Authority's security forces, expressing concern about their training and numbers, and agreeing with the interviewer's sentiment that they should have been eliminated. He concluded by reaffirming his support for Netanyahu remaining Prime Minister but stressed the critical need for a strong Otzma Yehudit.
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