Ben Gvir: Netanyahu is conducting an operation to weaken me, Smotrich has looked down on me all these years
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir attacked Prime Minister Netanyahu and Finance Minister Smotrich in an interview with Walla, claiming they are working to weaken him. Ben Gvir revealed that Netanyahu called to thank him for insisting in the cabinet on carrying out the assassination of Nasrallah, and that he aspires to be appointed Defense Minister. He called former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar a "liar" and denied warnings he had conveyed about Gaza.
National Security Minister and Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben Gvir launched a sharp attack in an interview with Walla's studio against his coalition partners. Ben Gvir claimed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich are "conducting an operation to weaken Ben Gvir." According to him, Netanyahu is planning a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot, which he called a "paralysis government" that would be unable to advance determined policy in Gaza, the Palestinian Authority, and the judicial system. Ben Gvir attacked Smotrich for his condescending attitude toward him over the years. Despite the tension, he clarified that he would only support Netanyahu for prime minister, and if the right-wing bloc does not achieve 61 seats, there should be additional elections. Ben Gvir revealed for the first time that after the assassination of Nasrallah, Netanyahu called him and said: "Thank you for insisting in the limited cabinet that this event be carried out," and noted that Smotrich voted against. He stated his intention to be appointed Defense Minister, despite lacking military experience, and claimed that if he receives many mandates, this would be possible. Additionally, Ben Gvir attacked former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, called him a "liar" and denied that Bar had warned the cabinet about the danger from Gaza. According to him, Bar actually silenced him when he demanded targeted killings.