Yoaz Hendel attacks Ben Gvir: 'Otzma Yehudit has become Jewish weakness'

Yoaz Hendel, leader of the Reservists Party, accused National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of failing to restore governance and instead fostering “Arab autonomy” in the Negev and Galilee during an interview with 103FM on July 20, 2026. Hendel called Ben-Gvir’s leadership “Jewish weakness,” arguing that the minister’s policies have undermined national stability and contributed to growing unrest in the region. Hendel claimed that Ben-Gvir, despite his rhetoric about restoring governance, has done little to improve state control. The minister, who has faced criticism for not serving in the military, has encouraged draft dodging, according to Hendel. This, he argued, has led to a decline in effective governance. “Every time he says ‘governance,’ there is less governance in the State of Israel,” Hendel stated. He warned that the consequences of Ben-Gvir’s tenure could be dire, including the fragmentation of Israel into autonomous regions controlled by Arabs and ultra-Orthodox communities. Hendel described the current situation as a crisis, emphasizing that the real threat to Israel is not the northern border or Gaza but rather the emergence of “Arab autonomies” in the Negev and Galilee. These areas, he said, lack law and order, and the ultra-Orthodox communities, he claimed, view non-Jews as outsiders. “We brought the Jews out of exile, but not the exile out of the Jews,” he remarked, suggesting that the nation is in danger of losing its cohesion. Hendel further accused Ben-Gvir of directly contributing to the rise of these autonomous zones. “He is nurturing the Arab autonomies,” he said, adding that the minister has shown an inability to deliver tangible results. While acknowledging some positive work in prison reforms, Hendel maintained that overall, the state is in a worse position than before Ben-Gvir took office. He pointed out that under the guise of wartime conditions, the government has allowed more weapons to remain in the Arab sector and less control to be exerted. Despite his sharp criticisms, Hendel did not completely rule out forming a coalition with Otzma Yehudit, the far-right party led by Ben-Gvir. However, he made it clear that he would not support the minister’s policies unless they changed. “I think he did good things in the prisons, but when it comes to governance, we are in a much worse situation,” he said. Hendel also addressed the issue of military service, expressing admiration for those who serve in the armed forces. He spoke about his own experience in the reserves, describing them as composed of “the best people in the State of Israel.” He criticized the current system for encouraging draft evasion and forcing reservists like himself to repeatedly fulfill their duties. “There is no other choice,” he said, adding that they are proud to serve because they have no alternative. Hendel condemned politicians for evading responsibility and deflecting blame. He urged accountability, stating that anyone seeking those responsible should turn to him. “I am responsible for everything. I am willing to take responsibility for everything,” he declared. His comments reflected a deep sense of personal commitment, especially after having spent time away from politics and returning to public life. Hendel concluded by expressing hope for a new generation of leaders who were present during the October 7 attacks and have since taken on the burden of defending the state. He described his return to politics as both necessary and deeply troubling, noting that the current political climate is marred by negativity and poor character. “I am doing it because of hope,” he said, “because I believe we need to bring a new generation of leaders.”