Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has launched an unusually direct public attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of Gaza policy, following reports that international "Peace Council" forces have entered the territory as part of a gradual Israeli withdrawal outlined in a 15-point framework document.
In a recent interview, Ben-Gvir, who chairs the Jewish Power (Otzma Yehudit) party, addressed questions about whether Netanyahu was fully aware of the agreement's details. "The claim is that the Prime Minister didn't know all the details of the document. I don't know what he knew or didn't know, I have no idea," Ben-Gvir said. "I know one thing, the Prime Minister is making a mistake in the direction he's taking. My colleagues like Bezalel Smotrich, who initially voted in favor while I voted against, made an error. My approach is the correct one. We need to stand firm both in Gaza and in Lebanon."
The minister elaborated on his opposition to current policy: "The approach in Gaza is a mistake --- we should never have agreed to the 15-point document in the first place. This is a government that has done many good things over two and a half years, a Prime Minister who led us into Gaza. We control over 60% of the territory, there are many positive achievements. As I understand it, there's no restriction on immediate threats, when there's a threat and an IDF soldier identifies danger, he can shoot. My impression is that the Prime Minister is making a mistake by going down a path that limits our operations in one way or another."
"Leave Two Months Before Elections? That's a Joke"
When asked why he isn't issuing an ultimatum or threatening to dissolve the government as he has in the past, Ben-Gvir responded sharply: "Are you serious? Two months before elections I should leave the government, what does that look like to you? A joke? Whoever thinks my approach is right, conducting targeted eliminations, encouraging emigration, continuing to mow down Hamas, killing Hamas operatives—will vote for me. We're two months before elections and those who want change have the greatest opportunity."
Ben-Gvir clarified that he stands in the minority position during closed security discussions: "It's no secret that I have a disagreement with the Prime Minister, whom I greatly respect. In the cabinet, I was the only one who voted against this direction of bringing in the Peace Council, bringing in all sorts of forces, certainly regarding targeted eliminations. I think this is a very big mistake. My son is in Lebanon, in a reconnaissance unit, and I think it's terrible and awful if someone wants to limit his freedom of action."
The minister concluded by placing responsibility squarely on the Prime Minister's shoulders, while acknowledging pressure from Washington: "The Prime Minister bears the responsibility. This approach of bringing in foreign forces, I understand there are international relations, he's not doing this because it's fun or pleasant for him, Trump has his own views and positions. But it's important to understand: there's no direct restriction. If there's direct danger to soldiers in Gaza and Lebanon, they can respond."
