MK Boaz Bismuth Recalls Personal Toll of Voting Amid Mourning Over Ben Gvir Dispute

Boaz Bismuth, chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, recounted the painful experience of having to leave his mourning period for his late mother to attend a crucial vote in the Knesset. The vote concerned the "Frozen Funds" law, essential for passing the state budget, amid a coalition crisis triggered by Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and his party's refusal to support the bill. Despite pleas from Likud MKs Keti Shitrit and Tali Gottlieb to Ben Gvir to avoid forcing Bismuth's attendance during his shiva, Ben Gvir declined.

Bismuth described the heavy personal cost, including leaving his sister and wife alone with guests and catering during the shiva meal, and having to recite the final Kaddish remotely via FaceTime, lamenting, "My mother deserved more than a Kaddish on FaceTime." He also revealed that since the incident, he and Ben Gvir have reconciled, with Ben Gvir apologizing for the episode.

Additionally, Bismuth spoke about Deputy Minister Almog Cohen, who broke party discipline by voting in favor of the law against his party's stance, a move that deepened the rift with Ben Gvir and eventually led to Cohen leaving Otzma Yehudit. Bismuth praised Cohen's action as "very kind" during a difficult time for him personally.

The interview was part of the new C14 web program "On the Way to the Ballot Box with Dana and Ron," where Bismuth shared these reflections ahead of the 2026 elections.