Ben-Gvir Campaigns for Defense Ministry, Cites National Security Achievements

Itamar Ben-Gvir, chairman of the Otzma Yehudit party, is seeking public support to transition to the Ministry of Defense, promising to replicate his perceived successes from his tenure as Minister of National Security. Ben-Gvir claims to have revolutionized national security over the past four years, significantly strengthening security forces and combating terrorism and crime. He highlighted the establishment of a National Guard with 1,000 fighters, an increase of over 4,000 police officers, and over 2,000 corrections officers. Additionally, he noted the creation of 1,065 emergency response teams with approximately 14,000 armed volunteers, arming over 300,000 citizens, and establishing units to combat protection rackets and polygamy. Ben-Gvir also stated that nearly 200 emergency fire and rescue teams were formed, and firefighting personnel increased by hundreds.

He asserted a shift in the Ministry of National Security's policy from defensive to offensive, citing the demolition of nearly 19,000 illegal structures in the Negev. Ben-Gvir also claimed to have addressed mosque leaders with fines and loudspeaker confiscations, tackled wedding gunfire, and initiated investigations into imams. He reported a 75% reduction in attacks, attributing it to his efforts against incitement, and noted a decrease in car thefts with increased arrests. The minister also claimed to have seized twice the amount of weaponry compared to the previous period and initiated hundreds of indictments for protection rackets. A special unit was formed in the prison service to protect threatened women, and electronic tagging laws were advanced.

Regarding the Temple Mount, Ben-Gvir stated that his ministry demonstrated governance by allowing prostrations, prayers, and the bringing of prayer books and songs, setting new records for new immigrants. He described a comprehensive reform in the prison service, changing conditions for terrorists and criminals from "all-inclusive summer camp" to "intimidating and deterrent prison." He also mentioned passing legislation for the death penalty for terrorists, combating illegal weapons, and prohibiting support for terror in educational institutions. Ben-Gvir pledged to support fighters, encourage voluntary emigration from Gaza and Judea and Samaria, dismantle the "terror-supporting" Palestinian Authority, increase soldiers' salaries, provide free land in the Galilee upon release, and alter the IDF's ethical code and spirit, replacing "purity of arms" with "righteousness of arms."