Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir acknowledged on Monday that Israel’s international diplomacy was relevant to the country’s national security, but he asserted that it shouldn’t take precedence over the nation’s soldiers.
The minister, whose views are often characterized as extreme and who has been criticized for contributing, through his rhetoric, to the deterioration of Israel’s international image, delivered remarks at an English-speaking election campaign event for his Otzma Yehudit party at the Tel Aviv International Salon.
He was joined by Yishai Fleisher, the international spokesman for the Jewish community of Hebron. Early last month, Fleisher was tapped for the number 12 spot on the Otzma Yehudit list.
“I think there’s a great importance to our diplomatic relations and connections,” Ben-Gvir said in response to a question submitted by The Jerusalem Post. “It’s important that we look good on the world stage. But not at the expense of our fighters and our soldiers.”
Ben-Gvir has been a key partner in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition. Recent polling has projected Otzma Yehudit to win approximately eight seats in the next Knesset. The minister, however, admitted that he viewed things differently from Netanyahu regarding dealing with Israel’s public diplomacy.
Ben-Gvir: A soft approach doesn't help Israel's security or international standing
He pointed to the Gaza-bound flotillas that attempted to break Israel’s maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip, arguing that taking a softer approach doesn’t help Israel’s security or move the needle in bolstering Israel’s acceptance internationally.
“The first time [the flotilla activists] came, Bibi [Netanyahu] said, ‘Let’s make a good impression on the world. Let’s give them big sandwiches,’” Ben-Gvir said.
“Female soldiers were brought in. They were told to wear civilian clothes, and they [the activists] were given a Pilates lesson,” he added.
“That was because the government wanted to make a good impression and wanted us to look good internationally. Do you think that helped us?” Ben-Gvir asked.
He claimed that, on the contrary, the response to the flotilla incident only caused further international condemnation and resulted in additional flotillas attempting to break the blockade.
“They came again because they said, ‘This is great. The Israelis treat us well; give us sandwiches and exercise classes. Israel is fun,’” Ben-Gvir said.
Subsequently, when an additional flotilla arrived in Israel, he had decided to handle the activists in the same manner that terrorist supporters are treated in the United States.
Rough approach deterred more activists from joining future flotillas, says Ben-Gvir
“They were arrested. They were put in a prison for terrorists,” he said.
According to Ben-Gvir, the different approach deterred some activists from returning, with some saying they would only participate in another flotilla once he was no longer in his role as national security minister.
“There are people who want to see us weak. Anyone who is a true friend of Israel wants to see us strong,” he said. “I genuinely prefer to see Israel strong, even if some people, particularly in Europe, don’t like it very much.”
As national security minister, he has also led reforms in Israel’s prison service, significantly worsening conditions for Palestinian inmates, arguing that both the death penalty and harsher prison conditions create deterrence.
Fleisher, who translated for Ben-Gvir on stage after delivering the opening remarks, also spoke to the Post ahead of the event.
Referencing the English-language format of the event, Fleisher confirmed that Otzma Yehudit was looking to reach out to the English-speaking community in Israel ahead of the October 27 election.
“Certainly, we’re reaching out to anybody who wants a safe and free Israel, and that’s English speakers who understand the policies of strength,” Fleisher said. “It’s Russian speakers. It’s folks around the periphery. The ultra-Orthodox. There's a lot of people that we’re reaching out to. We’re not embarrassed about that; we are excited about strong policies, and that’s what people want right now.”
Regarding Israel’s public diplomacy, Fleisher told the Post that Israel must “forge new alliances around the world of people who are like-minded.
“We have to join a conservative alliance around the world, and we have to keep holding strong, not be afraid,” he added.
“We clearly don’t want to see Palestine here. Once [the international community sees] that we’re sure of ourselves, sure of our Jewish identity, they’ll respect us. That’s the language of the Middle East,” Fleisher said.