Itamar Ben-Gvir Warns Against Government Including Gadi Eizenkot, Citing Security Risks

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister, sharply criticized former Defense Minister and ex-security cabinet member Gadi Eizenkot in a recent interview on Galei Yisrael radio. Ben-Gvir insisted that his own presence in the government is essential for the right-wing camp's survival, stating, "There is no right without Otzma Yehudit, and no right without me in the government." He directly warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that forming a government with Eizenkot would end any chance of a right-wing administration, halting reforms, dismissals, and security operations in Lebanon and Gaza.

Ben-Gvir recounted his experience sitting with Eizenkot in the security cabinet, accusing Eizenkot of opposing efforts to rescue hostages in Gaza and preferring airstrikes instead. He claimed Eizenkot resisted all initiatives and only after his departure did threats from Hezbollah and Iran intensify. When asked about Eizenkot's claims that cabinet meeting protocols would vindicate him, Ben-Gvir rejected this, asserting he witnessed Eizenkot's stance firsthand and warning that revealing these protocols would implicate Eizenkot.

Ben-Gvir concluded with a stark warning that if Eizenkot joins Netanyahu in a broad unity government, it would pose a serious problem for Israel. This statement highlights the deep divisions within Israel's right-wing political factions ahead of potential government formations.