Ben-Gvir slams Gantz and Eisenkot, fights journalist over basketball violence

• Published date: 27 March 2024
• Author: 103FM
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Further into the interview, Ben-Gvir expressed support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to cancel the delegation's departure to Washington: "It is good that the prime minister decided not to send the delegation. We must enter Rafah now, right now." At the same time, he emphasized that "Bibi is not free from mistakes."

Ben-Gvir then added, "The international pressure will not be worse or better in another two or three weeks, or another month or two months. We must act now. Enough already with this story of getting legitimacy from the world. They [the international community] have never been taken hostage, raped, or murdered, and we need to do what is best for the State of Israel, first and foremost."

Ben-Gvir's harsh criticism of political counterparts

Ben-Gvir harshly criticized Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, saying, "As for Gantz and Eisenkot, allow me to be direct. What, are they trying to fool me? I'm in the cabinet. I hear exactly what they're saying. Are you making fun of us? Do you really think the public is stupid? They say one thing to the public and another in private. I will not reveal the things I hear in the cabinet, but I will tell you one thing. They are the mother of all weakness and appeasement. So let's stop with these stories."

He also responded to the criticism leveled at him, "When I have a criticism of Netanyahu, I say it. I think with Rafah, Netanyahu should have said that we will not back down. Now we are entering, but after all this... Do they think we were born yesterday? Who's idea was this?

"I've been the national security minister for a year now. I can tell you what's happening this year when I've been saying all along, 'Let's thwart targeted setbacks in Gaza.' The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) are the ones that disagreed every time I said to target terrorism."

In addition, Ben-Gvir was asked about the closing of the Shlomo Group Arena in Tel Aviv after the severe violence that happened at the game between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Haifa.

"It is important for me to explain to the Hapoel Tel Aviv fans, there are many normal guys there and I have no problem with them," the minister said. "But let's face it: in truth, there are anarchists who are felons and criminals and it is very good that the police are putting things in order. This is childish whining."

At this point, Caspit and Ben-Gvir began to argue fiercely.

Ben Caspit: "You broke up an entire group... [but] you...