Itamar Ben-Gvir, photo: Reuters
Former Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of making concessions under pressure from the international community, particularly from the United States, regarding the supply of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, The Jerusalem Post reports.
In an interview with Kol Barama radio, he said:
“It is impossible to govern a country based on pressure alone. The country should not supply fuel to the enemy and help those who support Hamas. We have become the joke of the Middle East, and I’m not sure we realise it.”
Criticism of humanitarian policy and the migration plan
Ben-Gvir emphasised that he was the only member of the government who opposed humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also highlighted his successes in the Israeli prison system, saying that he was able to bring about “changes that have not been seen for 30 years”.
The politician called for the immediate launch of an initiative for the voluntary migration of Palestinians from Gaza.
“We must start today. Donald Trump says there is time, but we don’t have it,” Ben-Gvir said.
Return to the government?
Ben-Gvir also expressed his dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to keep its promises, including the resignation of the attorney general. He stated that he would not return to the government until it acted decisively against Hamas.
The politician also insists that the issue of voluntary migration should be transferred to the control of his far-right party, Otsma Yehudit.
“When the prime minister says he wants it, I will be there,” Ben-Gvir concluded.
Ben-Gvir’s statements indicate a growing split in the Israeli government and an escalation of the political struggle on the eve of key decisions on the future of the Gaza Strip.
