Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir Advocates Gaza Takeover and Palestinian Emigration in Time Interview
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir told Time magazine that Israel must capture all of Gaza and encourage the voluntary emigration of Palestinians. Ben-Gvir, a far-right politician, also stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made mistakes regarding the October 7th attacks. The interview, published October 22nd, covered Ben-Gvir's views on security, sovereignty in the West Bank, and his controversial policies regarding the Temple Mount, which he defended as restoring justice. Time also detailed his past associations and legal history.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir told Time magazine Israel must capture all of Gaza.
- Ben-Gvir advocated for the "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank.
- He stated Prime Minister Netanyahu "made mistakes" regarding the October 7th attacks.
- The minister called for Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank and taking weapons from the PA.
- Time noted Ben-Gvir's controversial policies allowing Jewish prayer at the Temple Mount.
- The article detailed Ben-Gvir's past associations and criminal convictions.
Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, in his first interview with a foreign media outlet in four years, told Time magazine that Israel "must capture all of Gaza" and encourage the "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. Ben-Gvir, head of the Otzma Yehudit party, stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "made mistakes and is not blameless, but there are many people more guilty than him." Time described Ben-Gvir as a "fiery far-right politician previously considered too radical for the IDF" and suggested his influence could grow within a future Netanyahu government.
Ben-Gvir expressed a strong desire for Netanyahu to remain prime minister, stating, "I prefer him a million times over Eisenkot." He emphasized that Israel "must capture all of Gaza" and that "Gaza can become the Riviera." He also asserted that "Hamas terrorists want to destroy the whole world" and that Israel must "take weapons away from the Palestinian Authority" due to training exercises in Jericho. Ben-Gvir insisted that Israel needs to expand, stating, "Gaza has always been ours. Israel is a tiny country. We need to expand, get bigger."
When questioned about the potential for increased international isolation due to Palestinian displacement, Ben-Gvir argued that Israel is isolated when it is weak and that helping the population leave Gaza would make Israel stronger. He clarified his stance on emigration, stating, "We want voluntary emigration, not to expel anyone. People will choose the option to leave." He also called for Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank, referred to as Judea and Samaria.
Time noted Ben-Gvir's role as a prominent voice on the Israeli right, shifting blame for the October 7th failures onto security and intelligence agencies. The magazine also highlighted his policy of allowing Jews to pray at the Temple Mount, which has drawn condemnation from Jordan and the Palestinian Authority, calling it a "deliberate provocation." Ben-Gvir defended this, stating he "restored justice to the Temple Mount."
The article also delved into Ben-Gvir's biography, mentioning his admiration for Meir Kahane and past associations, including reports of visiting Baruch Goldstein's grave and displaying his portrait. It noted Ben-Gvir's history as a lawyer for settlers and activists accused of radical violence, as well as his own criminal convictions for incitement to racism and support for a terrorist organization.
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