Ben-Gvir Rally Reveals Supporter Debate on Netanyahu's Role
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's campaign rally in Kiryat Ata revealed supporter debate on voting strategy and a demand to bar Arabs from buying property. Ben-Gvir focused on his achievements in improving prison conditions for security prisoners, framing it as a personal success. He also criticized "the system," Netanyahu, and the Attorney General for alleged hindrances. Supporters expressed a desire for a strong right-wing government, with Ben-Gvir urging them to increase his party's mandate.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A Kiryat Ata rally for Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir highlighted supporter debate on voting strategy.
- An attendee demanded legislation to prevent Arabs from purchasing apartments in the city.
- Ben-Gvir touted his success in hardening conditions for security prisoners.
- He criticized "the system," Netanyahu, and the Attorney General for alleged interference.
- Supporters expressed distrust in Netanyahu forming a right-wing government without Ben-Gvir.
A campaign rally for Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in Kiryat Ata exposed a key debate among his supporters: whether to vote for Prime Minister Netanyahu to ensure his victory, or for Ben-Gvir to prevent him from shifting leftward. The rally, attended by Ben-Gvir, also featured a surprising demand from an attendee for legislation to prevent Arabs from purchasing apartments in the city. Ben-Gvir did not explicitly endorse this demand but also did not reject it, instead promising to increase police patrols if his party gains more mandates.
Much of Ben-Gvir's speech focused on his tenure as Minister of National Security, particularly his efforts to improve conditions for security prisoners, which he framed as a personal achievement. He recounted being called "Minister of Pita" and embraced the moniker, stating, "I am so happy to make hell for them." He detailed the harsh conditions for prisoners, including food, yard time, and showers, and expressed satisfaction with the perceived "hardening" of their treatment. The audience responded with enthusiastic cheers, including calls for "death to terrorists."
Ben-Gvir also presented a list of those he claimed tried to hinder his progress, including "the system," sometimes Netanyahu, and Attorney General Bahrav Miara. He proudly recounted his intervention in police appointments, which Miara had criticized, questioning who would oversee such matters if not him. He declared his intention to extend his influence from the police to the military, though the article does not specify further details on this ambition beyond the apartment purchase demand.
Supporters at the rally expressed a desire for a right-wing government, with some distrusting Netanyahu to form one independently. One couple explained they would vote for Ben-Gvir to ensure Netanyahu remained right-wing. Ben-Gvir urged his supporters to mobilize more voters, emphasizing that the enthusiasm shown at the rally needed to translate into votes at the ballot box.
