Ben-Gvir says chances that Otzma Yehudit returns to gov't increased after Netanyahu-Trump meeting

Ben-Gvir made the statement after Trump's comments on Tuesday regarding the transfer of Palestinians from Gaza.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir asks the District Court in Jerusalem to bar the showing of an expose against him, November 10, 2024 (photo credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir asks the District Court in Jerusalem to bar the showing of an expose against him, November 10, 2024
(photo credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

There is a high likelihood that the Otzma Yehudit party will return to the government, Itamar Ben-Gvir told the Galey Israel radio station on Wednesday. 

"I haven't tailored a minister's suit again yet, but there's no doubt that the chances of Otzma Yehudit returning to the government have increased," he said following US President Donald Trump's comments on Tuesday regarding the transfer of Palestinians from Gaza.  

"The ball is now in the prime minister's hands—if he moves forward with it, I'm fully by his side. Once things start and there's an intention to implement—I’m coming back. I don’t want to elaborate, but there are already plans," he added. 

Otzma Yehudit left government because of ceasefire deal

Otzma Yehudit resigned from the government in mid-January after the government approved the ceasefire deal.

( Illustrative) National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over a backfrop of hostage photos (credit:  Chaim Goldberg/Flash90, BRINGTHEMHOMENOW, Canva)
( Illustrative) National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over a backfrop of hostage photos (credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90, BRINGTHEMHOMENOW, Canva)

Their departure came after Ben-Gvir threatened to leave the government if the deal was approved.

"The deal that is taking shape is a reckless deal," Ben-Gvir said in a televised statement in early January. He said the deal would  "erase the achievements of the war" by releasing hundreds of Palestinian terrorists and withdrawing from strategic areas in Gaza, leaving Hamas undefeated.