Itamar Ben Gvir Confirms Otzma Yehudit Keeps National Security Ministry Despite Political Split

At the annual Israel Hayom conference held at the Tower of David hotel in Jerusalem, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir announced the formal dissolution of his political partnership with Bezalel Smotrich and the Religious Zionist Party ahead of the upcoming elections. Ben Gvir declared, "Smotrich and I will not run together. If a right-wing government is desired, it must run with two heads." He explained that while both parties appeal to the national-religious public, Otzma Yehudit also targets peripheral communities, secular Israelis, and ultra-Orthodox voters. Ben Gvir emphasized that even if he obtains a more senior ministerial position, "the Ministry of National Security will remain with Otzma Yehudit." He defended his record on crime, stating that since taking office, 5,725 homes were demolished in the Negev, an action he claimed predecessors did not undertake. Regarding victims of crime, he controversially said, "Let's talk about who was murdered. Families involved in crime were murdered."

Following Ben Gvir, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich launched a sharp attack on the judicial system and State Attorney Gali Baharav-Miara. Smotrich accused her of being a "political player" and head of an opposition party imposing her agenda on most Israeli citizens through force and violence. He called for her to be investigated for breach of trust and attempts to obstruct the elected government, asserting she should stand trial and pay damages. Smotrich also criticized the police and prosecution in the Netanyahu trial, demanding accountability and imprisonment for those he said conspired against the former prime minister.

Blue and White leader Benny Gantz sought to calm tensions, denying reports of a breakdown in talks with Yoaz Hendel. He opposed calls to restrict voting rights for the ultra-Orthodox, calling voting a democratic cornerstone and warning against a fascist trajectory. Gantz stressed the need for a broad Zionist government and warned that a narrow government reliant on Arab or extremist parties could lead to future violence. He welcomed the possible inclusion of Yuli Edelstein, praising his alignment with Zionist unity. Gantz pledged his party would join the next government as a responsible center-left force focused on economy and security, stating, "Netanyahu must end his tenure."

Justice Minister Yariv Levin harshly criticized the Supreme Court, labeling its conduct "completely dictatorial" and accusing judges of creating "anarchy" by placing themselves above the law. Levin supported the government's declaration that the Supreme Court's ruling on the Second Authority Council was "illegal" and aimed at blocking the Channel 13 ownership transfer. He rejected any regret over the 2023 judicial reform process, praised the appointment of nearly 290 diverse judges, and vowed that in the next term, two-thirds of judges would be replaced with "true conservatives." Levin asserted that elected officials, not judges, determine policy in a democracy.