Israeli defense minister criticizes Ben-Gvir's actions as ‘threatening national security’

JERUSALEM

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant criticized on Friday National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accusing him of actions that “endanger Israel's national security.”

Gallant expressed his support for Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) Chief Ronen Bar, who had called for Ben-Gvir’s dismissal following warnings about the impact of Ben-Gvir's support for illegal settler violence in the occupied West Bank and incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Bar had sent a message on Thursday to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting concerns over the escalating violence by illegal settlers against Palestinians and their properties in the occupied West Bank, according to the Israeli Channel 12.

He warned that this rise in illegal settler violence could lead to severe security breaches and further bloodshed, potentially compromising national security.

In response to these warnings, Ben-Gvir demanded Bar’s removal during a Thursday meeting of the Israeli Security Cabinet, accusing Bar of failing in his duties during the Oct. 7 attacks on Israeli illegal settlements and military bases, according to the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation on Friday.

Netanyahu reportedly told Ben-Gvir that it was not the right time for such discussions, leading Ben-Gvir to exit the meeting in frustration, according to the same source.

Gallant, supporting Bar, criticized Ben-Gvir's actions on X, stating that they “risk national security and foster internal divisions.”

He emphasized that Shin Bet officials are fulfilling their duties by warning about the severe consequences of Ben-Gvir’s policies.

Ben-Gvir responded on X, accusing the government of failing to address Hezbollah in Lebanon and instead focusing on internal disputes.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid also called on Thursday for Ben-Gvir and his extremist allies to be removed from decision-making positions and for stringent measures against violations in the occupied West Bank.

Ben-Gvir’s support for illegal settler violence and his participation in provocative actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque have drawn widespread criticism.

Reports from the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem have highlighted government plans to displace Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, further fueling tensions.

Tensions have been running high across the West Bank since Israel launched a deadly military offensive against the Gaza Strip that has killed over 40,200 people since Oct. 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack.

At least 640 Palestinians have since been killed and over 5,400 others injured by Israeli army fire in the occupied territory, according to the Health Ministry.

In a landmark advisory opinion on July 19, the International Court of Justice declared Israel's decades-long occupation of Palestinian land "illegal" and demanded the evacuation of all existing settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi in Ankara