Yoaz Hendel attacks Ben Gvir: 'Otzma Yehudit has become Jewish weakness'

Yoaz Hendel, chairman of the Reservists Party, launched a sharp critique of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accusing him of failing to restore governance and instead fostering the growth of "Arab autonomies" in the Negev and Galilee. Hendel stated in an interview with 103FM that Ben-Gvir's actions over the past three years have damaged Israel's governance, calling it "Jewish weakness."

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This is Jewish weakness. I think that Ben-Gvir, over the past three years, has damaged the governance of the State of Israel.

Hendel expressed concern that Ben-Gvir's inability to produce results, despite his electoral mandate to improve governance, has led to a worse situation. He fears that Israel could fragment into "Arab autonomies" lacking law and order, and "ultra-Orthodox shtetls" operating outside the law. Hendel argued that Ben-Gvir's policies are actively nurturing these autonomies, particularly by allowing fewer weapons in the Arab sector and less control under the cover of war.

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In the end, he had one mission: to restore governance to the State of Israel. That is why he was elected, that is what he talked about, that is where he got his TikTok videos from. Every time he says ‘governance,’ there is less governance in the State of Israel.

The former military official also addressed the issue of military enlistment, expressing pride in those who serve. He criticized "crazy laws" that encourage draft evasion, forcing individuals like himself to perform reserve duty repeatedly. Hendel emphasized that while they are proud to defend the state, this situation arises from a lack of alternatives.

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One of my biggest fears, maybe the biggest threat, is not the northern border and Gaza. My biggest fear is that the State of Israel will break up into ‘Arab autonomies’ in the Negev and the Galilee where there is no law and order, and ultra-Orthodox shtetls where ‘we are the rule of the infidels.’

While not entirely ruling out a future coalition with Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party, Hendel's criticism focused on the ministry's performance and Ben-Gvir's leadership capabilities. He also lamented a culture among elected officials of avoiding blame and refusing to take responsibility.

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Ben-Gvir, with his own hands and through his actions, is nurturing the Arab autonomies. He is nurturing this. He has a total inability to produce results.