Bennett and Ben Gvir Clash in Heated Corridor Confrontation Ahead of Elections
As the October 2026 Knesset elections approach, a tense corridor confrontation between Itamar Ben Gvir and Naftali Bennett highlights escalating political rivalries amid ongoing national security and economic challenges.
The elections to the 26th Knesset, scheduled for October 27, 2026, are approaching at the end of one of the most turbulent, complex, and polarizing periods in the nation's history. At the center of the election campaign are the heavy fallout of the Iron Swords war and extensive security and regional challenges.
Political Clashes and Confrontations in the Corridors
Yehuda Schlesinger, the political correspondent for Walla, published a video showing Itamar Ben Gvir and Naftali Bennett exchanging words in the corridors. Ben Gvir proposed holding a debate between them, but the chairman of the BeYachad list responded: "I will only show up opposite Netanyahu, I am not afraid of anyone." Bennett hurled at the minister: "You are afraid of terrorists, hiding behind police officers." Ben Gvir did not remain silent and retorted: "The one who formed a government with Mansour Abbas is you," to which Bennett immediately replied that he too had supported a government with Abbas. Finally, Ben Gvir concluded the encounter by saying: "A swindler remains a swindler, you are afraid."
"In his term there is more crime, more protection money, more terror, more store payments. I come from the business world, where results speak. Do not tell me stories. Under the test of results, twice as many are murdered, protection money has doubled," Bennett stated.
Bennett Launches Harsh Criticism Against Ben Gvir
In an interview with Ynet, Naftali Bennett leveled sharp criticism against Itamar Ben Gvir and his conduct, labeling him the "minister of protection money of the State of Israel." According to Bennett, even the government itself pays protection money when paving roads, calling it a disgrace that affects not only the Negev and the Galilee, but central cities like Rishon LeZion as well. Bennett questioned Ben Gvir's whereabouts on October 7, arguing that his actions amount to photo-ops in prisons surrounded by heavy security rather than delivering actual security results.