Otzma Yehudit Launches Campaign Highlighting Itamar Ben-Gvir's Controversial Security Policies

Otzma Yehudit has launched its election campaign with a new video promoting the contentious actions of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir as key achievements. The video emphasizes policies such as the expansion of gun license reforms, establishment of rapid response units and the National Guard, tougher detention conditions for security prisoners, and advancing the death penalty for terrorists. It frames opponents of Ben-Gvir as benefiting from his policies despite personal opposition, ending with the slogan, "Tired of Ben-Gvir's critics? Inshallah Ben-Gvir."

The party's campaign strategist, Ofer Rozenbaum, described the video as accurately outlining a long list of accomplishments during Ben-Gvir's recent term. However, these measures have sparked significant public and legal criticism. Law enforcement and civil organizations warned that easing gun license restrictions could increase civilian violence and criminal shootings. The creation of the National Guard faced political and legal battles, with critics accusing Ben-Gvir of attempting to form private militias. Human rights groups and legal experts also condemned harsher prisoner conditions and death penalty legislation as potentially unconstitutional and violating international law.

This campaign video clearly targets the right-wing voter base while directly confronting left-wing and media critics, setting the tone for Otzma Yehudit's approach in the upcoming elections.