Itamar Ben-Gvir launches unusual attack: "The Prime Minister bears responsibility" | Listen

Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policy in Gaza on 103FM, claiming Netanyahu is wrong to agree to the 15-point document and to bring foreign forces into the Strip, and explained why he won't resign from the government two months before elections. Ben-Gvir said he was the only one in the cabinet who voted against the direction, and expressed concern about restricting soldiers' freedom of action, including his son serving in the reconnaissance unit in Lebanon.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir attacked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policy in the Gaza Strip this morning (Tuesday) on Radio 103FM, in an unusual and direct call. Ben-Gvir said the Prime Minister is "making a mistake" by following a path that limits IDF operations, and that he opposes agreeing to the 15-point document and bringing foreign forces into the Strip. He stressed that in the cabinet he was the only one who voted against this direction, including on targeted killings. Ben-Gvir linked his position to personal concern, telling that his son serves in the reconnaissance unit in Lebanon, and said "it is a terrible thing" if someone wants to restrict his freedom of action. He claimed Israel is on more than 60% of the Strip's territory and there are significant achievements, so fighting should continue. Later in the interview, Ben-Gvir responded to criticism from residents of the southern community Karmit about the rampant shooting in the Negev, saying "why lie?" and claiming he reduced shooting by 50% and attacks by 75%, and that he is doing in the Negev what no police minister did before him. He also addressed the conditions of security prisoners, saying the terrorists are afraid of the 'crocodile plan', and that Yoav Segalovich wants to restore the previous conditions where prisons were "hotels".