Benjamin Netanyahu blames Ben-Gvir for leaking Israeli Cabinet talks
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Itamar Ben-Gvir of leaking internal discussions regarding Red Cross access to Palestinian prisoners, exposing deepening political rifts within the occupation government.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, and lawmaker Itamar Ben Gvir, center, shake hands after the swearing-in ceremony for "Israel's" parliament, at the Knesset, in Occupied Al-Quds, Tuesday, November 15, 2022 (AP Photo/ Maya Alleruzzo, Pool)
Tensions within the Israeli government escalated as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of leaking sensitive discussions from a recent Israeli cabinet meeting regarding Red Cross prison visits.
According to the Israeli Channel Kan 11, Netanyahu expressed frustration during the meeting, stating, “Before and during the cabinet meeting, I saw briefings on Channel 7, Israel Hayom, and other outlets about who supports and who opposes the Red Cross prison visit decision. I don’t operate like this; this item wasn’t even on the agenda. I will make decisions in another forum.”
In response, Ben-Gvir reportedly pushed back, saying, “You’re talking to me about briefings? You conduct briefings against the army, and the army has been briefing against you all week.”
Read more: 'Israel' continues aggression on Gaza, homes demolished
The exchange reflects growing internal discord over how the government is managing the issue of Palestinian prisoners, especially amid mounting local and international pressure to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit detention facilities.
Tensions deepen inside the Israeli Cabinet
The dispute highlights deeper political fractures within the current ruling coalition, particularly between Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir, on matters related to internal security and prisoner policy.
Israeli media outlets note that these tensions over the treatment of Palestinian prisoners are becoming increasingly public, exposing sharp divisions on both policy and communication strategies inside the cabinet.
Read more: Ben-Gvir represents 'terrorists' in Israeli government: Haaretz
In July, Ben-Gvir clashed with "Israel's" Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir following the latter's comments on an expansion of operations in Gaza, potentially causing harm to the lives of captives.
The Israeli national security minister also repeatedly pushed for the continuation of the war in Gaza by appealing to the finance minister to block moves towards a ceasefire and captive deal.
