Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir clash over credit for Altalena discovery

The discovery of the historic Altalena shipwreck off Israel's coast has become overshadowed by a dispute between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The two coalition partners reportedly clashed over who deserved credit for the find, leading them to deliver separate statements rather than a joint appearance.

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Civil war, never again!

Sources close to Ben-Gvir criticized Netanyahu's actions, suggesting it indicated an intention to distance himself from the minister. They drew parallels to past political maneuvers, expressing regret over the prime minister's conduct toward a coalition partner. The expected joint appearance was canceled at the last minute, with Netanyahu opting to speak alone outside the Etzel Museum.

Speaking at the museum, Netanyahu declared his intention to raise the Altalena from the sea and transform it into a tangible symbol for future generations. He emphasized the message: "Civil war, never again!" He invoked the words of Etzel commander Menachem Begin, who spoke out against David Ben-Gurion's decision to open fire on the ship, which was carrying vital weapons for Israeli forces during the War of Independence.

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Civil war, never! That was the heartfelt call of Etzel commander Menachem Begin.

Netanyahu recounted the tragic event, where gunfire from Haganah members on the shore resulted in the deaths of 16 Etzel fighters and three IDF soldiers. He noted that despite the bitterness of the incident, those who fell went on to fight alongside their comrades in the Haganah within the IDF during the War of Independence. The prime minister paid tribute to them, lamenting what he described as "calls of incitement" against them during recent memorial ceremonies.

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the prime minister’s conduct shows his intention to go with [Gadi] Eisenkot. Ben-Gvir was good for him for four years, and now, of all times, to return to boycotts and avoid even taking a picture with him?! This is exactly what they did to Menachem Begin, and it is regrettable that the prime minister is behaving this way toward a coalition partner.