Ben Gvir warns against unity govt after exit polls

Otzma Yehudit chairman and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir delivered a speech Tuesday night following the release of the first exit polls on election day. Ben Gvir traced his party's trajectory since its founding, expressed pride in the reforms he initiated, and issued a sharp warning against the prospect of a unity government.

"Tonight we are writing another chapter in the development of Otzma Yehudit," Ben Gvir opened. "From a party that two terms ago barely existed on the political map, to a party with one seat, then to six seats in a joint slate, and tonight, for the first time, an independent party running alone and earning the support of hundreds of thousands of citizens."

He emphasized that "the path of Otzma Yehudit is the path I have walked: step by step, fighting for everything with ten fingers, and in the end winning with Hashem's help." He noted that "the evening is still young," and expressed hope that the Channel 14 poll would also prove accurate.

Pride in reforms carried out

Ben Gvir devoted a substantial portion of his remarks to detailing the achievements he claims his party secured in the current term. "I am proud that I promised in the previous elections to legislate a death penalty law for terrorists, and we delivered," he said. "I am proud that I promised to put an end to the summer-camp conditions for terrorists in prisons --- and we delivered."

The minister continued listing: "I am proud that I promised to act against the rampant illegal construction in the Negev, and we delivered. I am proud that I promised to establish a National Guard and to recruit 4,000 new police officers, and I delivered. I am proud that I promised a reform in the weapons licensing system, so that citizens could defend themselves, and I delivered."

"I am proud of each and every one of these things. Very proud, even if there are those who roll their eyes, and even if there are those who try to present our standing on principles as a political problem," he stressed. He added that "for me, and for the hundreds of thousands of people who supported us, this was not just an election campaign. This was a mission."

He attacked those who believe "one must flatter, apologize and act only according to what is comfortable for others." In contrast, he declared: "I believe that a government is not meant to find favor in everyone's eyes. We have a historic mission for the Jewish people: to govern, to decide and to preserve the security and identity of the State of Israel as a Jewish state."

Ben Gvir addressed his policy opponents directly: "I already hear the hopes of the terrorists in prison, hoping that the summer camps will return. I hear the hopes of those who build illegally, hoping they will be able to return and seize state lands without being held accountable." He promised: "I say to them tonight: I will continue to fight so that these hopes will not be realized."

He warned sharply against the scenario of a unity government. "Unfortunately, tonight we are hearing that there are those talking about a unity government with Eisenkot. This is exactly the scenario we warned against, it is a terrible mistake. And if, G-d forbid, there are those who choose to give up on the interests of the State of Israel and on its Jewish character, that will be a grave mistake, and the people of Israel will not forgive those who make it. I did not enter politics to apologize for my principles, and I did not come here to give up on the path in which I believe."

The speech took place against the backdrop of high voter turnout in the Arab sector and relatively low turnout rates in right-wing strongholds. Earlier in the day, Ben Gvir arrived at the entrance to Kafr Qasim and issued an emergency call to right-wing voters, warning of "insane turnout percentages in the Arab sector."

At the close of his remarks, Ben Gvir thanked the Creator, his slate members and party activists. He dedicated special thanks to Bentzi Gopstein: "We do not agree on everything, Bentzi, but my love and appreciation for you run deep. I have no way to describe your dedication, your professionalism and everything you have done along the way."

He also thanked the campaign staff, spokespeople and all who worked behind the scenes. "I see you, and I appreciate you," he said. He concluded with a call: "And now we will wait for the real results, in hope and prayer that we wake up tomorrow morning to good news for the people of Israel. Good night, thank you very much. Am Yisrael Chai!"