Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has escalated his criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of next month’s election, blaming the premier for the failures that preceded the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack while making a highly provocative pledge concerning the remains of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
In an interview with Israeli public broadcaster Kan Reshet Bet on Tuesday, Ben-Gvir said that if he secures the defence portfolio in the next government, he would order the burning of Sinwar’s body and the bodies of those involved in the October 7 attack.
“After I get the defense portfolio, I will make sure to burn Sinwar’s body and the bodies of the October 7th terrorists,” Ben-Gvir said. He added that he would pursue what he described as a “significant change in approach” as defence minister.
The statement came days after Ben-Gvir formally demanded the defence ministry for himself as part of his Otzma Yehudit party’s demands for the next government.
Ben-Gvir blames Netanyahu over October 7
Ben-Gvir also turned his criticism towards Netanyahu, saying he had warned of a different approach to Gaza before the October 7 attack but that his concerns had been dismissed by senior officials.
He accused former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar of failing to provide Netanyahu with sufficient intelligence about Hamas’ intentions.
Ben-Gvir said Netanyahu had also dismissed his warnings, claiming the prime minister had told him that security professionals did not believe an attack from Gaza was imminent.
“I also have criticisms of him, which is why I am in the Jewish Power party and not Likud,” Ben-Gvir said. He further criticised the government’s previous decisions concerning the transfer of money to Gaza, arguing that such decisions should have been rejected. Ben-Gvir said that had he been in the relevant position at the time, he would have opposed them.
His allegations come as the October 7 security failure has again become a major issue in Israel’s election campaign. Recent reports have raised questions over warnings allegedly received by Netanyahu before the Hamas assault, while Netanyahu has denied accusations that he ignored warnings about the impending attack.
Ben-Gvir wants defence portfolio
Ben-Gvir announced on September 22 that his Otzma Yehudit party would demand the defence ministry for him in the next government. He has presented a broader security programme that includes changes to the IDF’s rules of engagement and ethical code, increased support for soldiers and a policy encouraging what he describes as the “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank.
His demand has already met resistance from Netanyahu’s Likud, which has indicated that it does not intend to surrender either the defence or justice portfolios in future coalition negotiations.