Ben Gvir stole the Altalena from Netanyahu: Otzma Yehudit's grab for Likud heritage

The Otzma Yehudit party announced the location of the Irgun ship Altalena, which was shelled in 1948. Ministers Ben Gvir and Eliyahu took credit for the project, funded by the Heritage Ministry. Prime Minister Netanyahu was surprised by the announcement and missed a political opportunity ahead of the elections. The findings have not yet been published.

The Otzma Yehudit party announced the location of the Irgun ship Altalena, which was shelled in 1948 off the coast of Tel Aviv. The announcement was made in an unusual manner through the party's spokesperson, and was presented as a "revelation" by ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Amichai Eliyahu. The project was funded by the Heritage Ministry at a cost of one million shekels. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was surprised by the announcement and missed a political opportunity ahead of the elections, even though the ship is associated with Likud heritage and Menachem Begin. The ship was found 20 km off Israel's coast, at a depth of 503 meters. No decision has yet been made regarding its remains. Journalist Shlomo Nakdimon cast doubt on the claim that the ship was located intact, noting that he had seen it sunk and disappearing. The move is seen as an attempt by Otzma Yehudit to take over Likud heritage.