Ben Gvir: If PM starts to implement Trump’s Gaza plan, Otzma Yehudit will return to coalition

Sam Sokol is the Times of Israel's political correspondent. 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"

Otzma Yehudit party head MK Itamar Ben Gvir leads a faction meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem on January 27, 2025. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
Otzma Yehudit party head MK Itamar Ben Gvir leads a faction meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem on January 27, 2025. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

Former national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir says that his far-right Otzma Yehudit party’s return to the government is more likely in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s announcements in favor of a US takeover of the Gaza Strip and the relocation of its Palestinian residents.

“I haven’t sewn a new ministerial suit yet, but there is no doubt that the chances of Otzma Yehudit returning to the government have increased,” the ultranationalist politician tells Radio Galei Israel.

“The ball is now in the hands of the prime minister,” he continues. “As soon as we start and there is an intention to implement it – I’m back. I don’t want to expand on this talk, there are already plans.”

Ben Gvir, who has long advocated what he calls “voluntary migration” from the Gaza Strip, says it is not the time for “petty politics.”

“We have a huge opportunity and we must not miss it. Even before October 7, I encouraged emigration and they mocked me. We must embrace it and not just make a statement. It is time to implement and promote it,” he declares. “There were those who worked on it in Israel long before and earned nicknames like ‘messianic and delusional,’ so now is the time to move on to implementation.”

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