Ben-Gvir Warns Against Unity Government With Eisenkot
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Otzma Yehudit Chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir celebrated his party's election performance and warned against forming a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot, calling it a "terrible mistake." Speaking after exit polls, Ben-Gvir highlighted his ministry's achievements, including a death penalty law for terrorists and efforts against illegal construction. He vowed to continue his policy agenda regardless of the final election results. His party awaits the official vote count with optimism.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Itamar Ben-Gvir warned against a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot, calling it a "terrible mistake."
- Ben-Gvir celebrated his party's strong showing in the Knesset election exit polls.
- He highlighted his ministry's achievements, including a death penalty law for terrorists.
- Ben-Gvir vowed to continue his fight against illegal construction and for stricter prisoner conditions.
- Otzma Yehudit awaits the final election results with hope.
Otzma Yehudit Chairman and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir delivered a speech at his party's headquarters following the Knesset election exit polls, celebrating his party's independent run and expressing hope for the results. Ben-Gvir highlighted reforms he advanced in security and governance, while strongly cautioning against forming a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party. "This is precisely the scenario we warned against," Ben-Gvir stated, vowing to continue his fight against changes to terrorist prisoner conditions and illegal construction in the Negev.
Ben-Gvir expressed satisfaction with Otzma Yehudit's performance, noting its growth from a marginal party to one supported by hundreds of thousands of citizens. He attributed this success to a step-by-step approach and a commitment to principles. While acknowledging the exit poll results, which showed his party with seven seats, Ben-Gvir emphasized that the final outcome depends on the official vote count.
He reviewed his party's election promises and actions taken during his tenure as National Security Minister, citing the enactment of a death penalty law for terrorists, improved prison conditions for inmates, efforts against illegal construction in the Negev, the establishment of a national guard, the recruitment of new police officers, and a firearms licensing reform. Ben-Gvir asserted his pride in these accomplishments, regardless of criticism.
Addressing the possibility of a unity government with Eisenkot, Ben-Gvir called it a "terrible mistake" and warned that abandoning Israel's interests and Jewish character would be a grave error that the nation would not forgive. He referenced exit poll data showing the right-wing bloc with 60 seats, the left-wing bloc with 43, and Arab parties with 17, with Likud as the largest party and National Unity receiving 19 seats.
Ben-Gvir concluded by thanking his party members, activists, and staff for their efforts, and expressed gratitude to Bentsi Gofstein, whom he described as a close friend. The party awaits the official results with hope for good news for the Israeli people.
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