Itamar Ben Gvir Demands Judicial Reform and Tougher Security Measures Ahead of Elections
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir appeared on Sorogim studio for an interview with Yossi Ben Ater, addressing key political and security issues. Ben Gvir acknowledged that the government's promise of a "complete victory" has not yet been fulfilled and emphasized his pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu to adopt a harsher approach. He called for proactive operations across Lebanon and Gaza, not just reactive measures, to empower Israeli soldiers to respond decisively. He stated, "My red line is harm to our soldiers and civilians. When that happens in Gaza or Lebanon, it’s over. We must strike without restraint."
Ben Gvir declared that judicial reform is his primary condition for joining the next government, comparing it to the police reforms he has led. He stressed that all legislation passes through the judicial system, making its overhaul essential. Although he refused to specify if he would demand the Justice Ministry portfolio, he was firm on wanting deep changes.
Regarding the upcoming elections, Ben Gvir rejected calls to unite with Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party, arguing that running separately would maximize right-wing bloc strength. He aims to secure 15 Knesset seats, appealing to constituencies less connected to Smotrich, such as peripheral and ultra-Orthodox communities.
Ben Gvir also revealed that senior officials offered him political incentives and building permits in Judea and Samaria in exchange for silence on cooperation between the Finance Ministry and Palestinian Authority banks. He firmly refused, stating, "I am not willing to revive the PA, it is a bloodstained entity that must be erased."
He addressed his strained relations with former allies Baruch Marzel and Michael Ben Ari, emphasizing his shift from protest to governance. Highlighting changes at the Temple Mount, he noted, "For a thousand years Jews did not pray there; now we have achieved changes we only dreamed of."
On law enforcement in the Negev and Arab communities, Ben Gvir supported police actions against reckless driving and crime, including controversial police intervention at a wedding. He advocated for ending lawlessness and increasing Shin Bet involvement to improve personal security in Arab towns, expressing openness to including loyal figures like Yosef Hadad on his list.
