Ben-Gvir Accuses Netanyahu of Seeking Calm, Excluding Him From Government

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated in an interview with Kikar Hashabat that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu desires a "calmer" term and might prefer to form a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot, thereby sidelining Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party. Ben-Gvir cited sources close to Netanyahu, including MKs Danny Danon and Miki Zohar, suggesting a plan to bring Eisenkot into the government. Ben-Gvir asserted that his inclusion would lead to more "challenges" for Netanyahu, referencing his own policy goals such as dismissing the Attorney General, conquering Gaza, and encouraging emigration. He believes his party's strength in the upcoming elections is the only way to ensure a right-wing government and is demanding the Defense and Justice portfolios for his party, with MK Tali Gottlieb specifically tasked with dismissing the Attorney General.

Ben-Gvir also urged voters from the ultra-Orthodox sector not to vote for new, small parties that he believes will not pass the electoral threshold, but rather for his Otzma Yehudit party. He specifically addressed those who might stay home or feel disappointed with existing parties, framing his appeal as a way to prevent a gift to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. He acknowledged the Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef's prohibition on ascending the Temple Mount, stating he respects his own rabbis' opinions and that the issue lies with Knesset members and activists, not the Chief Rabbi himself.

Criticizing Shas party members, Ben-Gvir accused them of hypocrisy, recalling past assurances of friendship from Aryeh Deri and highlighting his own accessibility for their needs during the previous government. He also discussed the sensitive issue of drafting yeshiva students and arresting draft dodgers, advocating for a "hug and love" approach rather than arrests. Ben-Gvir clarified his limited authority over police actions, noting he could not order arrests but could set policy, and claimed that Shas's "haredi partners" prevented him from dismissing Baharav-Miara earlier in his tenure.

Furthermore, Ben-Gvir expressed pride in integrating ultra-Orthodox men into the police force, establishing a special Border Police unit with kosher food and other accommodations, which he believes reduces violence and improves understanding. He also launched a sharp attack on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, accusing him of arrogance and condescension, particularly after Smotrich allegedly stated Ben-Gvir had no rabbis, a claim Ben-Gvir vehemently denied by listing his own rabbinical mentors.