Itamar Ben Gvir Defends Record Against Amit Segal's Criticism of His Role in Israeli Government

Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister, responded strongly to criticism from commentator Amit Segal, who warned that Ben Gvir's continued tenure in a key government role could cause severe diplomatic damage to Israel. Ben Gvir described Segal's column in Israel Hayom as a "punch to the stomach," expressing deep personal pain beyond anger at what he called factual distortions and disregard for his historic achievements during his single term.

Ben Gvir linked the criticism to a perceived condescending attitude from parts of the Religious Zionist sector, which he said often look down on him as a "baal teshuva" (returnee to religious observance) and Mizrahi Jew. He rejected Segal's negative assessment, asserting that his reforms and accomplishments are unprecedented, including a crackdown on terrorist prisoners that led to a 75% drop in attacks, distribution of 300,000 firearms to civilians, and the establishment of over 1,000 police rapid response units with 14,000 trained fighters.

He also highlighted his enforcement efforts in southern Israel, including demolishing 10,000 illegal Bedouin structures in the Negev, reversing previous government policies, and strengthening the police force by recruiting over 4,000 new officers and doubling patrol vehicles. Ben Gvir pointed to significant crime reductions, including a 25% drop in car thefts this year, and increased police actions against organized crime and extortion in Arab communities.

Additionally, he cited progress in integrating ultra-Orthodox recruits into the police, reforms addressing polygamy, noise violations at mosques, and security measures at the Temple Mount, which he described as a historic breakthrough. Ben Gvir challenged Segal to acknowledge these achievements.

Segal, while recognizing Ben Gvir's hardline policies on prisoners and arms distribution, dismissed his public image as misleading, noting rising murder rates and worsening crime trends. He concluded that another government with Ben Gvir in a significant role would be a "severe disaster" for Israel, harming its international standing daily.