National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir issued a statement Tuesday evening praising a senior security official for declaring subordination to the elected branch. Ben Gvir quoted the official as saying 'I am subordinate to the elected branch,' and added the biblical phrase 'Fear not, David.' He attacked the left and the judiciary for what he called their 'madness' and 'fury' in response to the remarks. The official's identity was not disclosed.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Tuesday evening issued a direct quote from a senior security official, writing that the official said 'I am subordinate to the elected branch.' The statement, published at 23:37 Jerusalem, included the biblical phrase 'Fear not, David' and an attack on the judiciary's response. This followed initial reports at 23:35 Jerusalem that Ben Gvir had praised the official's declaration of subordination to the elected branch.
At 23:35 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that Ben Gvir had welcomed the official's statement, calling it 'the basic thing in a democratic country' and attacking the left and judiciary for their 'madness' and 'fury.' Within the same minute, two subsequent updates noted the minister's use of the biblical phrase 'Fear not, David' and reiterated his criticism of the judiciary. The official's identity remained undisclosed in all reports.
The minister has a history of public clashes with the judiciary, as The Zioneer reported on July 2, 2026, when he accused the High Court of 'trampling the Knesset' in anti-democratic conduct, and on July 5, when he accused the attorney general of using the Shin Bet to spy on him. He has also used biblical language in public messages, including a message to the prime minister on Sunday quoting 'Be strong and courageous.'
The identity and position of the security official who made the statement remain undisclosed, and it is not known whether the official was responding to any specific pressure or incident.
4 developments
- StrongZini expands on criticism of elected officials, says law mandates subordination to government
- StrongShin Bet chief Zini: 'The reason I felt more fit was the ability to be loyal to the elected government'
- DevelopingBen Gvir accuses attorney general of using Shin Bet to spy on him, vows to complete judicial reform
- DevelopingLeaked recordings: Shin Bet chief Zini called human rights 'nonsense in disguise'
Source and signal
- Internal intake