Ben-Gvir Responds to Hamas Assassination Plot Revelation

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded Thursday to reports that a Hamas operative who had planned to assassinate him was released as part of Israel's hostage exchange deal and subsequently acquired weapons for terrorist activity. Despite the threats to his life, Ben-Gvir said he would continue advancing his policy agenda.

"A minister has already been murdered in Israel, Rehavam Ze'evi, who proposed the idea of voluntary emigration," Ben-Gvir said, referring to the 2001 assassination of the tourism minister. "Ten times they have tried to harm me, to eliminate me, and to threaten my sons, my family, and my children. They are trying to harm me because they fear the policy I am leading."

He emphasized the dangers inherent in releasing terrorists as part of prisoner exchanges. "A Hamas operative who planned to assassinate me was released in the hostage deal, and now it turns out he acquired weapons for terrorist activity. This is further proof that such deals endanger the lives of Israeli citizens."

He also declared his intention to continue his controversial policy initiatives despite the threats, saying "I will not be deterred and I will not stop. I will continue to advance the 'Disengagement 710' plan that will voluntarily emigrate all Gaza residents, strengthen governance on the Temple Mount, toughen conditions for terrorists in prisons, and implement the death penalty law for terrorists."

Ben-Gvir thanked various security agencies for their work protecting him and his family. "Thanks to the Creator, to the Shin Bet, to the Magen unit, to the Israel Prison Service, to the Israel Police, and to all the security forces working to thwart threats and protect my life and the lives of my family," he wrote.

He concluded his statement with a religious message: "Those who believe do not fear!"

He has also been at the center of Israeli political attention in recent days following the defection of Knesset member Tally Gotliv from the ruling Likud party to his Otzma Yehudit faction. Gotliv will be placed second on the party's electoral list, with Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf stepping down from that position to accommodate her.

Last week, Ben-Gvir criticized journalist Anat Kam after she published remarks he deemed offensive about Israel Prison Service employees. "And here again is disgusting and unsurprising leftist racism and condescension from the despicable spy about the heroic Prison Service fighters," he wrote, referring to Kam's 2010 conviction for leaking classified military documents.