National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said Monday afternoon that Israel must operate based on a clear principle: appreciate allies and love President Trump, but Israeli soldiers and residents come first. The statement follows earlier remarks by Ben Gvir criticizing the U.S.-backed cease-fire and calling for prioritizing Israeli security even when it differs from American preferences.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir reiterated his nationalist security doctrine on Monday afternoon, stating in a written statement: "The State of Israel must act based on a clear principle — we appreciate our friends, we love Trump, but first and foremost our soldiers, first and foremost our fighters, first and foremost our residents."
The remark echoes and consolidates the minister's long-standing position vis-à-vis the United States, and comes on the same day he warned that Beirut will look like Gaza's Beit Hanoun if Israel's security is not ensured — comments The Zioneer reported earlier Monday at 15:36 Jerusalem. It also follows a string of recent statements in which Ben Gvir has openly criticized the Trump administration's push for a cease-fire, most notably in an Army Radio interview on Sunday where he called the cease-fire "a mistake" and argued Israeli leaders must be able to tell the president 'no.'
Ben Gvir's Monday statement does not name a specific policy dispute; it serves as a general doctrinal framing for his security-first stance, asserting hierarchy over alliance loyalty. No immediate response from the Prime Minister's Office or the U.S. administration was reported at time of publication.
- DevelopingBen Gvir warns: Beirut will look like Gaza's Beit Hanoun if Israel is not safe
- DevelopingItamar Ben Gvir says Trump's cease-fire was a mistake, takes aim at president on Army Radio
- StrongBen Gvir: Israel must not accept US-Iran ceasefire
- DevelopingBen Gvir: 'Lebanon should be Israel's playing field'
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