Former Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies regarding the Palestinian Gaza Strip. He stated that Israel has become the “laughingstock” of the Middle East. This report comes from Anadolu Agency.
In an interview with a local radio station, the far-right Israeli politician also condemned Netanyahu’s government for its handling of the war in Gaza. He said, “We have become the ‘laughingstock’ of the Middle East, and I am not sure if we have even realized it yet. I was the only person in the government who opposed providing humanitarian aid to Gaza because this stance could have completely changed the situation there.”
Criticizing Netanyahu’s response to U.S. pressure, Ben-Gvir said, “You cannot govern a state solely based on external pressure. Israel should not have allowed the supply of fuel and humanitarian aid to Gaza, as it benefits Hamas.”
He added, “We need to launch an initiative to encourage voluntary migration. President Trump has said that there is still time, but for Israel’s sake, we do not have time to waste.”
Ben-Gvir further stated that he would not return to the government unless Netanyahu’s administration committed to destroying Hamas.
In January, Ben-Gvir resigned from Netanyahu’s government in opposition to the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal. Since then, he has been advocating for the “voluntary migration” of Palestinians from Gaza.