Ben-Gvir Says He Turned Down Netanyahu’s Offer to Become Foreign Minister

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir disclosed Tuesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had offered him the post of foreign minister a position he firmly declined.

“The Prime Minister offered me the position of foreign minister but I refused,” Ben-Gvir told residents during a visit to the town of Omer near Beersheba. “I only wanted to be a minister responsible for the police.”

The statement underscores Ben-Gvir’s unwavering focus on internal security and law enforcement at a time when concerns about public safety are rising across the country. His visit to Omer aimed to address community fears over gunfire, theft, and road violence issues that have plagued the area for years.

“There has been neglect here for 30 years,” Ben-Gvir said, “but things are changing. The police are taking action, striving for contact, conducting searches and we are recruiting more officers.” He noted that emergency standby squads have increased from 43 to over 1,000 during his tenure.

Local residents shared troubling stories, including an assault on a girl with rocks, which they claimed police ignored. Ben-Gvir urged citizens to take action “File complaints. You can’t win the lottery without filling out a form.”

Ben-Gvir also addressed the controversial issue of civilian firearm access, expressing openness to easing restrictions for Omer residents. “If the recommendations are good I’m open to it,” he said, signaling a willingness to support increased self-defense capabilities in vulnerable communities.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Ben-Gvir reminded attendees of the threats he’s faced over the years: “They tried to assassinate me five times. I didn’t go from zero to a hundred slowly, more and more progress.”

Through it all, Ben-Gvir’s message was clear: his political mission is rooted in restoring order, enhancing security, and asserting the sovereignty of the Israeli state. His rejection of a prestigious foreign affairs role only amplifies his commitment to delivering tangible improvements in safety and governance where it matters most at home.

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