Ben Gvir Warned of Hamas Threat Days Before October 7 Attack
The Otzma Yehudit party has released footage of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visiting Kibbutz Nahal Oz on October 4, 2023, just three days before the Hamas massacre that occurred on October 7. In the video, Ben Gvir is seen discussing the community's security situation with local coordinators, emphasizing the increasing military capabilities of Hamas and his opposition to the current containment policy towards the organization.
During the conversation, which took place at 4:26 p.m. with the Gaza Strip visible in the background, Ben Gvir highlighted the disagreements within the Israeli government regarding the approach to Hamas. He noted that while many officials preferred to avoid military confrontation, he believed that delaying action would only empower Hamas further. "A large part of the government wants to avoid a conflict," he stated. "I'm actually one of those who believe we need to confront them, because if we don't confront them today, we'll confront them in 10 or 15 years, when they'll have ten times as many rockets, ten times as much ammunition, and ten times as much power."
Ben Gvir also addressed ongoing incidents near the Gaza border fence and the rules of engagement concerning rioters approaching it. He mentioned that these issues had led to disagreements with the IDF Chief of Staff and other security officials. "I think that even now, during Sukkot, when they approach the fence, I don't want to go into too much detail because there are many discussions about it, but I'm one of those who believe we shouldn't contain them," he remarked.
He further advocated for the use of lethal force against individuals approaching the fence with harmful intentions. "If they approach the fence and try to harm the State of Israel, we shouldn't throw gas at them; we should shoot them. Because in any normal country, when someone approaches your fence and wants to destroy the country, you shoot to kill him," he asserted. This stance reflects a significant shift in the discourse surrounding Israel's military engagement with Hamas and raises questions about the implications for future security policies.
Calls for Stronger Military Action
Ben Gvir's comments come at a time of heightened tensions along the Gaza border, where security incidents have been increasingly frequent. His insistence on a more aggressive military posture has sparked debate within the government and among security experts about the best approach to ensure Israel's safety. As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of Ben Gvir's warnings and proposed strategies will likely play a crucial role in shaping Israel's national security policy moving forward.
Final Brief
The footage released by Otzma Yehudit not only highlights Ben Gvir's concerns about Hamas's capabilities but also underscores the internal divisions within the Israeli government regarding how to address these threats. As the nation reflects on the events leading up to the October 7 massacre, the discussions surrounding military strategy and national security will remain at the forefront of public and political discourse.
