Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu has had to intervene more and more often in response to drastic statements by some of his ministers. It is about Israel’s security and settlement policy.
A scene that shows how rough the tone has become: Eliav Elbaz, head of a brigade for the Israeli armed forces, actually wanted to visit the relatives of a terrorist victim in the Israeli settlement of Eli in the northern West Bank. A scandal broke out when extremist settler activists called Elbaz a “traitor” and even a “murderer”. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to intervene. He condemned the incident and spoke of a “disgrace”.
Soldiers from his unit and Elbaz himself had tried to stop violent settlers in the past week. They had carried out acts of revenge in several Palestinian villages in the West Bank after four Israelis were killed in a Palestinian attack. Cars and houses were set on fire. A person died. Dozens of people were injured.
Minister draws comparison to Wagner fighters
In a joint statement, the heads of the Israeli army, the domestic secret service and the police described the settlers’ violence as “terror”. This, in turn, had turned sections of the Israeli government against them, especially from the national-religious camp.
Orit Strock, the minister responsible for settlements, made a daring comparison on the Kol Hai radio station. The mere fact of issuing a joint statement was a mistake. “I mean, what is that supposed to be? Who are you? The Wagner mercenaries? You work for the government, you can’t just issue statements at your own discretion,” criticized Strock.
Netanyahu gives security forces backing
Here, too, Netanyahu tried to counter. Because the security forces are of great importance in Israel, especially in times of increasing violence. And in view of renewed violence in the occupied territories, the minister’s broadside became a problem for the head of government.
Netanyahu stated before the Knesset, the Israeli parliament: “The security forces fight day and night and report to me. They do this security work for all of us – and I do not accept any statements that condemn them or turn them into any rebellious troops.”
settlement policy in focus
These days, however, it is becoming clear again that parts of the government are primarily following a clear agenda: expansion of the settlements. Thousands of new housing units have already been decided, as has the legalization of a number of so-called outposts.
Itamar Ben Gvir, the far-right Minister for National Security, last week visited Evyatar, a particularly controversial outpost, and further urged his supporters: “Thank you for your dedication, for your love for the country, for your commitment and for the sacrifices you leave behind.” He assured the settlers full support: “Storm the hills, settle down! We love you.”
Netanyahu opposes “illegal land grab”
In view of the international criticism of Israel’s settlement policy, Netanyahu could not let that stand either. Before the cabinet meeting at the weekend, he publicly contradicted his minister:
Illegal land grabs and calls for them are unacceptable to me. They are undermining law and order in Judea and Samaria and must stop immediately. Not only will we not support it, we will also take resolute action against it. This does not strengthen the settlement, on the contrary. These calls violate vital interests of the State of Israel and must stop.
Some of his ministers seem to see things differently. Also, some of the government’s recent decisions contradict Netanyahu’s testimony. In addition, the powers of the head of government are tied up in court these days anyway: A key witness has testified in a trial against him on suspicion of abuse of office and bribery.
At the same time, Netanyahu would currently be in demand as head of government – to emit further political fire.