Likud Slams Ben-Gvir for "Blatant Lies" Amid Coalition Tensions
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
The Likud party has sharply criticized Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, accusing him of spreading "blatant lies" via his "Push" Instagram account and working to aid the left-wing bloc in upcoming elections. Likud urged Ben-Gvir to shut down the account, though they affirmed he would remain a senior minister in a future government. Ben-Gvir's party, Otzma Yehudit, countered that Likud was responsible for the "shooting within the APC" and cited reports of Netanyahu's alleged plans for a government without Ben-Gvir.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Likud accused Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of "blatant lies" via his "Push" Instagram account.
- Likud claims Ben-Gvir's actions serve the left-wing bloc and help it win elections.
- Likud urged Ben-Gvir to shut down his "private propaganda page" on Instagram.
- Despite criticism, Likud stated Ben-Gvir would be a senior minister in the next government.
- Otzma Yehudit accused Likud of "shooting within the APC" and plotting against Ben-Gvir.
- Otzma Yehudit cited reports of Netanyahu's alleged plans for a government without Ben-Gvir.
The Likud party launched a sharp attack on Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir on Wednesday, accusing him of "shooting within the APC and telling blatant lies" against the party and the Prime Minister. Likud claims Ben-Gvir's actions serve the left-wing bloc and help it win the next elections, urging him to stop working for their victory.
The core of Likud's criticism targets an Instagram account named "Push," which the party alleges is Ben-Gvir's "private propaganda page." According to Likud, this page is used to "attack the Prime Minister with crude and blatant lies" and is working to ensure the victory of the "Eizenkot, Lieberman, Yair Golan, and Arab parties bloc."
Likud called on Ben-Gvir to immediately cease the account's activity, stating, "We call on Ben-Gvir to order his propaganda page 'Push' to stop operating for the victory of the left and Arab parties in the elections." They added that Ben-Gvir "attacks the right and Likud instead of attacking the left."
Despite the severe criticism, Likud clarified Ben-Gvir's future role in the coalition, stating, "Ben-Gvir is a senior minister in our government and will remain so in the next government." They concluded with a message to voters: "Only a vote for Likud will ensure a right-wing government headed by Netanyahu, with Ben-Gvir as a senior member."
Otzma Yehudit, Ben-Gvir's party, responded to the accusations, stating, "We love Prime Minister Netanyahu, are 100% committed to him, and we are the ones who prevented his ouster when his Likud colleagues plotted against him. The 'shooting in the APC' is Likud's doing." They cited several points, including Prime Minister Netanyahu's alleged statement that Ben-Gvir would not be National Security Minister in the next term, a CNN interview by an associate of the PM suggesting a unity government without Ben-Gvir, and reports that the Prime Minister's office conveyed messages to European countries that Ben-Gvir would not be in the next government. Otzma Yehudit also pointed to Likud ministers and candidates discussing a government with Eizenkot and the official Likud campaign speaking of a broad government. They concluded, "The damage from Likud is painful for us. But if Likud has decided to discard Ben-Gvir and form a government with Eizenkot, it is appropriate for Likud to openly stand behind its decision, instead of blaming the victim."
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