Ben Gvir Credits Police for Saving Situation During October 7 Attacks

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir claimed that the Israel Police prevented a far worse disaster during the October 7 Hamas attacks, asserting that his leadership was crucial during the opening hours of the assault.

Speaking in an interview set to air in Israeli media, Ben Gvir argued that the police force stepped in effectively while military units struggled to respond. "It is a fortunate thing that this happened on my watch as minister, because my police saved the situation when there were no tanks or planes," he declared.

During the conversation, Ben Gvir also addressed his policy demands in the security cabinet during the months leading up to the war. He stated that he had consistently pushed for preemptive strikes, targeted assassinations, and a complete halt to the entry of workers from Gaza, but maintained that his positions were dismissed by defense officials.

According to the minister, former Military Intelligence Directorate chief Aharon Haliva rejected his warnings prior to the outbreak of hostilities. "Head of Military Intelligence Haliva told me: 'You do not understand the situation, Hamas is not looking for a war with us,'" Ben Gvir recounted.

Addressing domestic security issues, Ben Gvir acknowledged shortcomings in tackling violent crime and murder rates within the Arab sector. He admitted that decades of systemic neglect hindered effective change in that specific domain, noting that he has yet to achieve his intended reforms.