Itamar Ben-Gvir reports rift with Benjamin Netanyahu

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is facing a political crisis following the leak of details from a meeting involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The leaked information revealed that the meeting, held prior to a security session, focused on coordinating the electoral interests and positions of the right-wing bloc.

Ben-Gvir has recently launched a campaign to increase his influence within the right-wing camp, specifically demanding the Defense Ministry portfolio and advocating for Representative Tali Gutlieb to receive the Justice Ministry. He has indicated that if Netanyahu rejects these demands, he may use the rejection to accuse the Prime Minister of exclusion and potentially pursue a unity government with Gadi Eisenkot.

In recent comments, Ben-Gvir stated that his relationship with Netanyahu has changed significantly, claiming the Prime Minister no longer answers his calls. While expressing respect for Netanyahu as a leader, Ben-Gvir noted he has felt “insulted” and accused individuals close to the Prime Minister’s office of attempting to distance Netanyahu from him, suggesting their association “stains” the Prime Minister.