Netanyahu says far-right Ben-Gvir can ‘certainly’ be minister in his government
Former prime minister reveals u-turn after previously saying the leader of the Jewish Power Party was "unfit" to be a cabinet minister.
Israeli Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu has reversed his position on far-right lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir’s future role in his government if he’s re-elected as prime minister next week.
When asked by Channel 14 if Ben-Gvir could be a cabinet minister in his government, Netanyahu said: “He certainly can; anyone can.”
He added: “He will be, and whoever is elected from the Religious Zionism (party can serve as a minister). But I assume (Ben Gvir) will be elected, and it’s completely clear.”
This marks a departure from his previous position ahead of elections in March 2021, where Netanyahu told Channel 12 that Ben-Gvir could be a part of his coalition but that he “wasn’t fit” to be a member of the security cabinet.
Ben-Gvir, known for his racist comments against Arab-Israelis and Palestinians, is running on a joint list with the far-right Religious Zionism party, and will be an integral part of Netanyahu’s government if he is re-elected.
Religious Zionism is projected to be the third biggest party in Israel according to recent polls, receiving 14 mandates. The party is mainly stealing votes from Netanyahu’s Likud party, which has dropped to 30 mandates, according to the same polls.
Netanyahu has been careful not to be photographed with Ben-Gvir despite the two meeting every week in recent months, as well as avoiding to share the same stage, as was the case last week.
Numerous reports in Israeli media alleged that Netanyahu refused to go on stage before Ben-Gvir was gone, so as not to be seen with him.
Last week, Labor party leader Merav Michaeli called on Ben-Gvir’s Jewish Power party to be deemed a terrorist organisation, due to its incitement against Arabs.
Ben-Gvir has called on deportation of “disloyal” Arab-Israeli lawmakers, suggesting that they “belong in Syria.”
On Sunday, the far-right firebrand said in an interview with Army Radio that he will work to cancel the gas and maritime deal between Israel and Lebanon, scheduled to be signed on Thursday, and that he will present a number of “red lines” for Netanyahu if they win the election.
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