Itamar Ben Gvir Reveals Eight Likud Officials Approached Him to Join Otzma Yehudit

Itamar Ben Gvir, Minister and leader of Otzma Yehudit, disclosed in a 103fm interview that eight senior Likud members, including four current ministers and four Knesset members, approached him seeking to join his party ahead of the primaries. Ben Gvir attributed this interest to Otzma Yehudit's rising poll numbers and growing strength. However, he explained that the requests did not materialize into actual party switches, emphasizing the distinct identities of Likud and Otzma Yehudit and wishing those members success within Likud.

Ben Gvir also commented on Knesset member Almog Cohen, who moved from Otzma Yehudit to Likud, stating he had done Cohen a favor by not opposing his departure. He recounted tough negotiations with Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party over Cohen’s placement on their joint list, highlighting a dispute over Cohen’s non-kippah-wearing status that nearly derailed the talks.

Regarding Defense Minister Israel Katz’s decision to transfer policing authority over settlers in the Shomron region from the IDF to the police’s Judea and Samaria district, Ben Gvir expressed surprise and said Katz did not consult him. He stressed that police lack jurisdiction in Areas A and B and insisted that if such authority is transferred to him, he must be given the means to manage it effectively.

Ben Gvir addressed controversy over his tweet showing the arrest of Bedouin wedding participants, stating he did not delete the post and is currently in discussions with Twitter about its removal. He defended the enforcement actions, citing longstanding issues of vandalism and intimidation in the Negev region.

Finally, Ben Gvir praised police efforts in locating Mally and Liel Yehalomi in Argentina, underscoring the importance of thorough searches even when no criminal suspicion exists. He lauded Police Commissioner Dany Levi and the police units involved, emphasizing that no country would neglect searching for its citizens abroad.