Netanyahu Seeks Broad Unity Government, Will Exclude Ben Gvir, Says Envoy Leiter
Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter stated in a CNN interview that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to form a broad unity government after the elections and will exclude Itamar Ben Gvir from the security portfolio. Leiter also addressed West Bank violence and called for the fall of the Iranian regime.
Unity Government Plans and Coalition Future
Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter stated in a CNN interview that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to form a broad national unity government following the upcoming elections. Leiter asserted that Netanyahu has made it clear that Itamar Ben Gvir will not serve as the Minister of National Security again, describing Ben Gvir's past role as largely symbolic and detached from actual police policy.
Addressing bilateral ties, Leiter dismissed concerns regarding U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing that a strong, excellent working relationship exists between the two leaders, which has been repeatedly proven over the past year.
West Bank Violence and Security Challenges
The ambassador addressed the issue of violence in the West Bank, following questions regarding an attack on Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine. Leiter condemned unlawful violence unequivocally, stating that any perpetrators—whether Jewish or Arab—must be brought to justice.
Unlawful violence committed by any person, Jewish or Arab, is completely unacceptable, and its perpetrators must be prosecuted, Leiter declared.
Leiter criticized what he termed selective moral reporting by media outlets, noting that in 2025, 26 Jews were killed by Palestinian terrorists compared to two Arabs killed by Jewish outlaws or terrorists. He explained that fighting a multi-front war has placed a heavy operational strain on security forces, though he stressed this is no excuse and pledged renewed efforts to crack down on extremist elements.
Iran and Strategic Objectives
On the Iranian front, Leiter outlined three primary strategic goals for Israel and its allies: preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, halting the stockpile of ballistic missiles, and cutting off financial support to regional proxy networks. The ambassador called for the downfall of the current regime in Tehran, noting that Iran has transferred 200 million dollars to Hezbollah over the past three months despite severe domestic economic collapse.
