Former Adviser Eli Feldstein Reveals Netanyahu Was Warned Against Itamar Ben-Gvir After October Massacre

Eli Feldstein, former adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, disclosed on social media that Netanyahu was warned about National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shortly after the October 7 massacre. Feldstein claimed he was present in Netanyahu's room when officials cautioned the prime minister about the risks Ben-Gvir posed, which led to Ben-Gvir being excluded from the smaller security cabinet for an extended period.

Ben-Gvir responded sharply, confirming he was indeed barred from the narrow cabinet following the October attack. He attributed this exclusion to a boycott by Benny Gantz and Gadi Eizenkot, which was a condition for their participation. Ben-Gvir stated that after their departure, he was reinstated and played a significant role in shifting Israel's security approach, citing operations such as the capture of Rafah, the elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and other military campaigns.

Ben-Gvir criticized Gantz and Eizenkot for allegedly pushing for an end to the war and surrender to Hamas, claiming that if they had remained in power, key militant leaders would still be alive and Israel's security situation would be worse. He expressed dismay that some right-wing factions now prefer these figures over him in government.

This exchange highlights ongoing tensions within Israel's security and political leadership regarding the handling of the recent conflict and the role of controversial figures like Ben-Gvir in national security decision-making.