A broadcast debate turned explosive after the Israel Police released a controversial video likening rowdy soccer fans to Palestinian rioters, igniting sharp reactions and a fiery exchange between journalist Josh Breiner and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Breiner accused the police of intentionally inflaming tensions with the video, calling it “provocative.” His remarks quickly drew a direct and angry response from Ben-Gvir, who joined the live discussion to defend his policies and blast what he viewed as distorted reporting.
Tensions escalated when Breiner cited comments made by released hostages who had said, “We were beaten because of Minister Ben-Gvir.” Ben-Gvir immediately fired back, charging that “Josh isn’t the only one adopting the Hamas narrative,” before shouting, “I’m not willing to let Hamas spokesmen go on air.” Moments later, the live segment was abruptly cut off.
Defending his approach to managing security prisoners, Ben-Gvir scoffed at the suggestion that his policies had hardened Hamas’s stance. “There’s a narrative that because of me Hamas became tougher. Really? Without me, they’d be giving the hostages manicures and pedicures, and the terrorists would be swimming in a swimming pool all day. Give me a break.” He added emphatically, “Terrorists were treated in prisons like it was a five-star hotel – I changed the rules.”
When the discussion turned to racist chants at soccer matches, the minister brushed off the criticism. “I’ve heard Beitar Jerusalem fans chant against Ahmad Tibi – and they’re right. What’s racist about that? Ahmad Tibi – it’s good that fans shout against him. I’m not saying to attack anyone, but if they shout ‘This is Eretz Yisrael’ at Ahmad Tibi, there’s no problem. That’s not racism.”
Outraged panelists accused him of fueling division and incitement, but Ben-Gvir refused to back down. “Absolutely not. I stand by what I said. Ayman Odeh supports terror – period. I would expect the Attorney General to indict them, and personally, I’d send them to Syria.”
Addressing the uproar over the police video that started the controversy, Ben-Gvir claimed ignorance of its content but defended the force. “I haven’t seen the video. Don’t hate the police – they work day and night for you, for me, for all our children. The police are allowed to release a video against those who throw flares and fireworks at them.”
As the debate wound down, Ben-Gvir offered a message aimed at unity — albeit on his own terms. “Come to the soccer games, come enjoy yourselves. In the end, we are all brothers – religious, secular, right-wing, left-wing – we’re all brothers. Ayman Odeh is not my brother; he’s a terror supporter, I’m sorry.”
{Matzav.com}
of course his announcing that israel abuses prisoners leads to abuse of israeli hostages. it’s obvious