Video Shows Ben Gvir Celebrating With Convicted Criminal Who Threatened Journalists

A first-reported video aired Sunday by Channel 13 shows National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir celebrating, kissing, and embracing Likud activist Avraham Tal Mis, a convicted offender. Tal Mis was convicted just months ago of harassment and threats after he threatened to kill journalist Guy Peleg and members of Peleg’s family, and he was also ordered to pay damages to MK Chili Tropper after a defamation lawsuit.

Ben Gvir declined to comment on the report. The footage was published alongside a reminder of another revelation from about six weeks earlier, when Channel 13’s program The Hatzinor aired video of Ben Gvir socializing at a party with crime boss Amos Lavi, who is considered one of the police’s top targets.

In that earlier case, Ben Gvir was received as an honored guest at an Independence Day party at the home of businessman Alon Elgali, where Lavi was also present. Ben Gvir’s office said at the time, “He did not meet or see those people.”