Minister Itamar Ben Gvir published a long statement Friday afternoon, responding to a column by journalist Amit Segal (N12). Ben Gvir alleges that Segal's piece is the opening shot of a campaign to make him illegitimate and facilitate a unity government without him, potentially with Gadi Eizenkot. The minister also defended his pre-war warnings against containment policy toward Gaza, and expressed disappointment that Segal is being used as a 'tool' in this political effort.
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir on Friday issued a strongly-worded response to a recent column by N12 journalist Amit Segal, accusing him of leading a media campaign aimed at excluding Ben Gvir from the next governing coalition. In a statement published on his the source, Ben Gvir wrote that he had anticipated such a campaign, which he believes is designed to 'legitimize' a unity government without his participation — potentionally with former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eizenkot. The minister reiterated his record of warning against a policy of containment toward Gaza before the October 7 massacre, noting that at the time he was ridiculed by 'the Segals' of the world. Ben Gvir expressed sorrow that Segal is being used as a 'tool' in what he describes as a political maneuver rather than a sincere effort to strengthen the right or the country. The exchange underscores the ongoing tension between Ben Gvir's faction and elements within the Likud-led coalition who are reportedly exploring alternatives to include center-left figures. Ben Gvir remains the most vocal critic of any potential unity deal that would exclude his party, Oztma Yehudit. As The Zioneer has previously documented, Ben Gvir has been a central figure in Israeli politics since the October 7 attacks, advocating for a hard line on security and opposing international diplomatic frameworks.
2 developments
- DevelopingBen-Gvir: 'If they are crying, that means I'm doing a good job'
- DevelopingSocial media post praises Ben-Gvir, says enemies' fear speaks for itself
- StrongIsrael's national security minister backs police who shot suspected car-rammer
- DevelopingYated Ne'eman editor condemns police violence in op-ed, calls out Ben-Gvir
Source and signal
- Open-source intake