Netanyahu Compares October 7 to 9/11 and Rules Out Ben Gvir for Defense Post
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu compared the October 7 massacre to the 9/11 attacks in a recent interview, dismissed Itamar Ben Gvir's bid for the defense portfolio, and discussed regional security operations against Iran.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ramped up his media appearances ahead of the upcoming elections, participating in podcasts, prime-time television programs, and live Q&A sessions on social media. During a recent interview with Army Radio (Galatz), Netanyahu drew a parallel between the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States and the devastating events of October 7.
Comparing National Crises and Leadership
Reflecting on the intelligence failures surrounding both historical tragedies, Netanyahu stated that public criticism was directed elsewhere rather than solely at the American president at the time, noting a similar sentiment regarding his own tenure.
"There was blindness on September 11 at the Twin Towers as well, no one said that to Roosevelt and President Bush, and fortunately the public in Israel did not say that to me either," Netanyahu said.
Political analysts point out that following the 2001 attacks, the American public and political system rallied around President George W. Bush, pushing his approval ratings to nearly 90 percent. The disaster was largely perceived as a systemic intelligence failure rather than a personal indictment of a president who had taken office just months prior, a precedent the prime minister frequently invokes.
Coalition Demands and Defense Portfolio
Addressing potential coalition demands, particularly from Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir—who has signaled an intention to seek the high-profile defense portfolio following the elections—Netanyahu firmly dismissed the prospect.
"I understand that he wants to, but he does not decide. The defense portfolio will remain in the Likud party, that is how it has been and that is how it must be, the necessary condition is that the defense portfolio will remain exclusively in the Likud," Netanyahu asserted.
Regional Security and Operations Against Iran
Turning to regional security and recent military campaigns against Iran, the prime minister highlighted the strategic shift achieved over the past year. He credited joint efforts and international alignment, specifically mentioning U.S. President Donald Trump, in neutralizing existential threats.
"Just a year ago, Iran was about to destroy us with atomic bombs, and we removed an existential threat. I am glad that Donald Trump joined at the end of Operation 'Am Lavi', and we worked together in 'Shagat HaAryeh'," Netanyahu added. Additional campaign stops included a prominent interview on Channel 14's "The Patriots", where he discussed his ongoing legal proceedings, the right-wing bloc's electoral standing, and the broader security landscape.
