Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir clash over discovery of sunken ship Altalena ahead of elections

The discovery of the sunken arms ship Altalena, a vessel that nearly ignited an Israeli civil war shortly after the state's founding in 1948, has transformed into a political battleground for right-wing politicians gearing up for the October 27 elections. The ship's reappearance is seen as a potent mobilizing force for the right, according to Udi Lebel, a scholar at Bar-Ilan University.

Lebel suggests that both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of the far-right Otzma Yehudit are leveraging the Altalena's detection to focus their election campaigns on themes of identity and victimhood, rather than substantive policy discussions. This strategic use of historical events highlights a common tactic in Israeli politics, especially during election cycles.

The circumstances surrounding the announcement of the find have also fueled political intrigue. Ben-Gvir, along with Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, announced the discovery of the vessel, reportedly located at a depth of about 1,650 feet, without prior notification to Netanyahu or Defense Minister Israel Katz. This move surprised both leaders and quickly intensified speculation about underlying tensions within the ruling coalition.

The Altalena's historical significance lies in its role in establishing the authority of the newly formed Israel Defense Forces (IDF) over pre-state paramilitary groups. The ship, carrying weapons for the Irgun militia led by Menachem Begin, clashed with the Haganah, the precursor to the IDF. The ensuing conflict resulted in casualties and the ship being set ablaze, ultimately sinking. Its story remains a stark reminder of the potential for internal discord to escalate into civil war, a theme that resonates deeply in Israel's national consciousness.

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There is no more mobilizing ethos on the right than Altalena.