Itamar Ben-Gvir claims communication with Netanyahu has ceased

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has revealed a breakdown in direct communication with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that the Prime Minister has not responded to his phone calls in recent weeks.

Speaking on a Maariv newspaper podcast, Ben-Gvir expressed feelings of being insulted by this sudden silence, noting that their relationship had been strong for the past two and a half years. He suggested that advisors within Netanyahu’s office may be encouraging the Prime Minister to distance himself politically from Ben-Gvir to avoid political damage.

Ben-Gvir previously voiced concerns via social media that Netanyahu might seek to form a broader government following upcoming elections, potentially excluding Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit party in favor of a partnership with Gadi Eisenkot’s party. Despite the tension, Ben-Gvir maintained that he respects Netanyahu as a leader and prioritizes national interests, such as judicial appointments, over personal grievances.