From the Liveblog of
Monday, January 27, 2025
Ben Gvir storms out of Knesset committee meeting after criticism by hostages’ families
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"
Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben Gvir storms out of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee following harsh criticism from hostages’ families and opposition politicians angry that he voted against the hostage deal.
“If only everybody had principles like me,” he shouts back, after relatives of those held in Hamas captivity accuse him of abandoning their loved ones.
Criticized by hostage families and opposition politicians for opposing the ceasefire, former cabinet minister Ben Gvir says that “if only everyone has principles like me” and storms out of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee pic.twitter.com/EUc73c7T9j
— Sam Sokol (@SamuelSokol) January 27, 2025
After Ben Gvir storms out of the room shouting “shame,” National Unity chairman Benny Gantz appeals for civility, stating that people on both sides of the issue can argue without giving up on each other.
“Everyone has exactly the same goal: to bring the hostages home, to protect the State of Israel, and to be able to live here for many, many years to come” even if they disagree on how to do it, he says. “If we don’t do it together, we won’t do it at all.”
Ben Gvir returns following a short recess, after many of the hostages’ relatives leave the committee chamber.
The Times of Israel Community.