Far-right minister urges Israeli control over Lebanon and Syria, claims lack of ‘spirit’ led to Oct. 7

Jeremy Sharon is The Times of Israel’s legal affairs and settlements reporter

Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu speaks during the funeral of terror victim Matan Elmaliach at the Maale Adumim cemetery, February 22, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/ Flash90)
Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu speaks during the funeral of terror victim Matan Elmaliach at the Maale Adumim cemetery, February 22, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/ Flash90)

Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu seemingly calls for Israeli control over Syria and Lebanon, as well as sovereignty over the West Bank and Gaza, at an ultranationalist conference in Sderot.

Speaking at a conference held by the “Ribonut” organization’s youth chapter, Noar Ribonut, Eliyahu adjures the participants to show “spirit” for the country to be victorious in its wars and national goals.

“What happened on Simchat Torah [October 7] wasn’t because we weren’t strong, because we didn’t have good technology or a good air force, or good tanks. What didn’t we have? Spirit,” says Eliyahu, a member of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party.

“Do you want sovereignty, then shout it,” he tells the audience.

“Do we want Judea and Samaria [the West Bank]? Do we want Syria? Do we want Lebanon? Do we want Gaza?” he calls out to the crowd, who shout back “Yes” for each territory.

“Then we need to shout it out,” says Eliyahu.

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