In an exclusive interview with the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, openly criticized US President Joe Biden for what he perceives as a lack of full support for Israel. Ben-Gvir contended that instead of backing Israel, Biden’s focus on providing humanitarian aid and fuel to Gaza indirectly benefits Hamas.
Ben-Gvir went on to express his belief that former President Donald Trump would have taken a different approach. He suggested that a Trump-led administration would have provided more robust support for Israel and allowed for a more aggressive stance against Hamas.
Amid controversy surrounding the “Victory Conference,” which advocated for settlement in Gaza and northern Samaria as a response to October 7, Ben-Gvir detailed his plan for the voluntary emigration of Gaza residents. He sees financial incentives as the key to encouraging voluntary emigration, terming it as “the real humanitarian solution.” The minister also proposed an international conference to explore options for resettling Palestinian refugees.
While Ben-Gvir’s statements have sparked criticism from Israeli politicians, he remains firm in his stance. The WSJ profile suggests internal support within the coalition, indicating his potential influence on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership.
In response National Unity chairman MK Benny Gantz, Yesh Atid party chairman MK Yair Lapid, and Labor chairwoman MK Merav Michaeli condemned Ben-Gvir’s remarks, emphasizing the need for responsible discourse in the face of complex geopolitical challenges. The tensions within the Israeli government underscore the broader implications of the Gaza crisis on domestic and international relations.
“Ben-Gvir’s interview to The Wall Street Journal is a direct blow to Israel’s international status, a direct blow to the war effort, is damaging to Israeli security, and mainly proves that he understands nothing about foreign relations. I would call on the prime minister to reign him in, but Netanyahu has no control over the extremists in his government,” Lapid said in a statement.