Ben-Gvir Warns Netanyahu May Exclude Otzma Yehudit From Next Government
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir warned that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might exclude his Otzma Yehudit party from the next government if it does not achieve significant electoral gains. Ben-Gvir expressed concern that Netanyahu might prefer a coalition with figures like Gadi Eisenkot, which he described as a "government of paralysis." The minister outlined his policy goals, including destroying Hamas and encouraging emigration from Gaza, and highlighted his achievements in his current role. He also urged other right-wing candidates to unite to strengthen the bloc.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir fears Netanyahu may form a government without Otzma Yehudit if the party doesn't win significantly.
- Ben-Gvir warned that a government including Gadi Eisenkot would be a "government of paralysis."
- Otzma Yehudit must achieve "double-digit" results to ensure its inclusion in the next coalition, Ben-Gvir stated.
- Ben-Gvir called on Ofir Akunis to withdraw from elections to benefit the right-wing bloc.
- The minister reiterated his policy goals of destroying Hamas and encouraging emigration from Gaza.
- Ben-Gvir highlighted his achievements in prison reform and security measures as proof of his impact.
Minister of National Security and Otzma Yehudit Chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir has expressed concern that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might form the next government without his party, potentially opting for a coalition with Gadi Eisenkot. Ben-Gvir stated in an interview with Channel 7 that Otzma Yehudit must achieve a significant electoral victory, becoming a "double-digit" force, to ensure its inclusion. He cautioned that despite public assurances from Netanyahu, signals from within the Prime Minister's circle suggest otherwise, citing potential coalition partners like Eisenkot.
Ben-Gvir fears that Netanyahu may prefer a less ideologically driven coalition in his next term to operate with less pressure from the right. He specifically stated that a government including Gadi Eisenkot would be a "government of paralysis" and would not advance his desired reforms, such as judicial reform or changes in policy towards Gaza and the West Bank. Ben-Gvir emphasized his personal respect for Netanyahu but stressed the necessity of Otzma Yehudit as the "right-wing marker" in any future government.
Reflecting on past political experiences, Ben-Gvir recalled the 2013 government formation when the National Union was left out of the coalition, serving as a cautionary tale. He also outlined his policy priorities, including destroying Hamas, conquering Gaza, encouraging emigration from the Strip, and dismantling the Palestinian Authority. Ben-Gvir asserted his opposition within the current government to aid convoys to Gaza and measures supporting Palestinian banks, claiming to be the sole dissenting vote in the cabinet on these issues.
Ben-Gvir highlighted his achievements as Minister of National Security, such as changes in prisoner conditions, establishing volunteer defense squads, demolishing structures in the Negev, and altering policies on the Temple Mount, as evidence of his ability to effect change even with a small party. He also called on Ofir Akunis to withdraw from the upcoming elections to avoid jeopardizing the right-wing bloc's strength, citing his own past willingness to unite with other parties.
Further addressing various political figures, Ben-Gvir expressed respect for Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef but declined to comment on a ruling against voting for Otzma Yehudit. He distanced himself from a derogatory remark made by Yinon Magal about Gadi Eisenkot, while still criticizing Eisenkot's political positions. Ben-Gvir also responded to criticism from Moshe Feiglin regarding his support for the death penalty, contrasting Feiglin's perceived lack of tangible achievements with his own policy changes.
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