Ben-Gvir Claims Likud Planned Coup Against Netanyahu, Sought Unity Government Without Him
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir alleged that the Likud party and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office planned to form a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot, excluding Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party. Ben-Gvir stated he received assurances from Netanyahu's office to EU countries that he would not be in the next government. He also claimed Likud members previously attempted to orchestrate a "coup" against Netanyahu, which he rebuffed. Ben-Gvir reiterated his call to dismantle the Palestinian Authority and expressed his desire to become Defense Minister.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Itamar Ben-Gvir claims Likud and Netanyahu's office planned a unity government excluding his party.
- Ben-Gvir alleges Netanyahu's office assured EU countries he would not be in the next government.
- He stated Likud members previously proposed a "coup" against Netanyahu, which he rejected.
- Ben-Gvir reiterated his call for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority.
- He expressed his aspiration to serve as Defense Minister in the future.
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir asserted that the Likud party and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's circle had decided to form a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot, excluding Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party. In an interview, Ben-Gvir stated he received information that the Prime Minister's office had pledged to European Union countries that he and his party would not be part of the next government. He questioned how this aligned with statements made by Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, who reportedly said Ben-Gvir would not be in a unity government.
Ben-Gvir expressed his belief that a decision had been made to pursue a unity government, which he argued would not implement his desired policies on legal, security, and Palestinian issues. He voiced concern that Netanyahu would indeed form a government with Eisenkot, suggesting that the Likud's decision was to pursue a government with Eisenkot unless Ben-Gvir's political strength grew. Ben-Gvir also stated his aspiration to become Defense Minister, using the Arabic phrase "Inshallah" to express this hope, explaining it as a unified expression of faith.
Additionally, Ben-Gvir recounted that Netanyahu had called him to express gratitude for the pressure he exerted in the cabinet regarding the elimination of Hezbollah leader, though Ben-Gvir clarified the initiative was not his. He noted that Bezalel Smotrich, according to him, opposed the assassination. Ben-Gvir also claimed that during his time in opposition, individuals from Likud approached him proposing a "coup" against Netanyahu, which he refused.
Addressing the Palestinian Authority, Ben-Gvir advocated for its dismantling, stating there was no benefit in dealing with them and that Israel should regain control over all territories. He claimed to be the sole minister in the cabinet who voted against allowing aid trucks into Gaza until the PA was dismantled. Regarding Ofer Winter, Ben-Gvir explained his refusal to sign a surplus agreement, stating Winter could align with other political figures. He praised Tali Gottlieb's addition to the Otzma Yehudit list, calling her intelligent and loyal, and suggesting she attracts Likud voters.
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