From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Ben Gvir dismisses ‘twisted’ ombudsman report, claims he’s led a ‘revolution’ in Negev governance
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSam Sokol is a former political correspondent at The Times of Israel. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir defends his record following a harsh state comptroller’s report on a lack of effective governance in the Negev, insisting that he has bolstered personal security and restored governance to the region.
“It is already clear: This is a twisted and distorted report that presents falsified and distorted data regarding the National Security Ministry’s activities in the Negev,” Ben Gvir’s office says in a statement, accusing State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman of choosing “to ignore the data provided to him, which completely contradicts what he published.”
According to Ben Gvir’s statement, the minister has led a “revolution” in the Negev by bringing about a 195% increase in the number of legal firearms held by citizens in the region; increasing the number of police officers on the ground by 13%; raising the number of quick reaction teams from two to 74; and increasing the demolition of illegal structures by 73%, thus “restoring governance and sovereignty.”
Under Ben Gvir, there has also been “a 317% surge in enforcement and the filing of indictments against ‘protection’ money,” his office claims.
Opposition lawmakers slammed the government for “losing control of the Negev” following the release of the report, which detailed increasing polygamy and resultant national insurance fraud, a lack of enforcement of environmental regulations, and the widespread practice of local contractors being forced into paying protection money.
The Times of Israel Community.