Ex-PM Aide Reveals Netanyahu Was Warned About Itamar Ben-Gvir After October 7 Attacks

Eli Feldstein, who worked in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office at the start of the Israel-Hamas war, disclosed that shortly after the October 7 massacre, he was present in Netanyahu's room when warnings were issued about National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Feldstein said these warnings highlighted the "dangers and risks" Ben-Gvir posed. Although he did not specify who gave the warnings or the exact nature of the concerns, Feldstein claimed they partially influenced Netanyahu's decisions, noting that Ben-Gvir was excluded from the smaller war cabinet for a significant period.

Feldstein's remarks come amid recent sharp criticism of Ben-Gvir by political commentator Amit Segal. Segal pointed out a discrepancy between Ben-Gvir's political strength and the rise in violent crime rates during his tenure as National Security Minister. Segal referenced a poll by Shmuel Rosner showing Otzma Yehudit, Ben-Gvir's party, leading in public perception on crime and personal security, calling the results "unbelievable." Despite the criticism, the poll indicates that Ben-Gvir's party maintains a strong image in its core area of responsibility.

Feldstein was part of Netanyahu's advisory circle during the war and attended security meetings alongside the prime minister. His revelations shed light on internal government dynamics and concerns about Ben-Gvir's role during a critical security crisis. The warnings and subsequent exclusion from the war cabinet suggest Netanyahu's cautious approach toward Ben-Gvir amid heightened tensions following the October 7 attacks.