Ben-Gvir Faces Supporter Debate on Netanyahu and Unusual Housing Demand
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
At a campaign event in Kiryat Ata, Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's supporters debated voting strategies concerning Benjamin Netanyahu. Ben-Gvir highlighted his policies on security prisoners and police appointments, while an attendee made an unusual demand to prevent Arabs from buying apartments. Ben-Gvir did not directly address the housing demand but asked for more electoral support to achieve his goals.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Itamar Ben-Gvir's supporters debated voting strategies for Netanyahu versus Ben-Gvir at a Kiryat Ata rally.
- An attendee demanded a law preventing Arabs from purchasing apartments in the city.
- Ben-Gvir detailed his efforts to improve conditions for security prisoners, embracing criticism.
- He claimed external forces, including Netanyahu and Bahrav Miara, obstructed his ministerial work.
- Voters expressed a desire for Ben-Gvir to ensure Netanyahu forms a right-wing government.
During a campaign event in Kiryat Ata, Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's supporters debated whether to vote for Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure his victory or for Ben-Gvir to prevent him from shifting leftward. The discussion highlighted a desire among some attendees for Ben-Gvir to "keep Bibi right." Ben-Gvir's speech focused heavily on his actions as minister, particularly regarding security prisoners. He detailed improvements in their conditions, including food and shower access, framing stricter measures as personal achievements and embracing the nickname "pita minister" as a badge of honor. He expressed satisfaction in making life difficult for terrorists, eliciting cheers of "Death to terrorists!" from the audience.
Ben-Gvir also presented a list of those he claimed tried to obstruct his efforts, including "the system," sometimes Netanyahu, and Bahrav Miara. He proudly recounted his intervention in police appointments, which Miara reportedly criticized, questioning who else would oversee such matters. The minister indicated a desire to extend his influence from the police to the military.
An unusual demand emerged from the audience: a law to prevent Arabs from purchasing apartments in the city. Ben-Gvir did not explicitly commit to this demand but also did not reject it, instead promising to increase police patrols if he received more mandates. The questioner's implied link between Arab neighbors and danger was left unaddressed by Ben-Gvir.
Ben-Gvir urged attendees to mobilize more supporters to ensure a strong showing in the upcoming elections, emphasizing that enthusiasm must translate to votes. He seeks credit for his achievements while attributing limitations to external factors and asking for more mandates to overcome them. Exit interviews revealed that some voters intend to vote for Ben-Gvir specifically to ensure a right-wing government, distrusting Netanyahu's ability to form one without compromising his political stance.
