Ben Gvir’s Ego and Netanyahu’s Lack of Leadership Have Become a Strategic Threat
As a reservist who has just completed another round of combat service in Lebanon, I feel betrayed. Betrayed by a government that asks more and more from its soldiers while demanding less and less from itself. Betrayed by politicians who speak endlessly about patriotism and sacrifice, yet seem incapable of showing even basic responsibility, restraint, or dignity. And betrayed by leaders who are turning Israel’s national security into a political circus.
There are moments when a nation reveals its true priorities. This morning, Israel buried another hero , IDF officer Itamar Sapir z”l, who left behind a devastated young wife and small child. Another family shattered. Another reminder of the unbearable price so many Israelis continue to pay for this war.
At the very same time, members of the coalition were busy advancing legislation designed to help ultra-Orthodox men continue avoiding military service while reservists are collapsing under the burden of endless deployments.
And at that same moment, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was once again performing for the cameras. While flotilla activists were pinned to the ground with their hands tied behind their backs, Ben Gvir sang and danced nearby as cameras rolled. The images are now spreading rapidly across the world.
This is not strength. This is not Zionism. And this is certainly not leadership.
Israel has achieved extraordinary military successes since October 7. Our soldiers have fought with courage, sacrifice, and moral seriousness under impossible conditions. But those achievements are being stained again and again by reckless politicians whose addiction to provocation and media attention is causing enormous damage to Israel’s legitimacy abroad.
Ben Gvir’s ego has become a strategic threat. Every childish stunt, every humiliating photo-op, every act designed for social media applause weakens Israel diplomatically, strengthens anti-Israel narratives, and distances millions of Jews around the world who are desperately trying to defend Israel while preserving their own moral credibility.
What are they supposed to say when an Israeli minister behaves like this? How can Israel explain that while soldiers are dying, ministers are dancing for the cameras? How can we ask Diaspora Jews to stand proudly beside Israel when our own government keeps handing our enemies propaganda victories on a silver platter?
And ultimately, responsibility leads back to one man: Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu chose Ben Gvir. He legitimized him. He empowered him. And he continues to protect him. A prime minister is judged not only by his speeches, but by the people he elevates to positions of power. Looking at today’s headlines, it is impossible to avoid the conclusion that Netanyahu has lost all moral and public legitimacy to lead this country.
Israel deserves leaders who understand the weight of this moment. Leaders who know that national security is not a reality show. Leaders who respect the sacrifices being made by soldiers and their families. Leaders who unite rather than inflame. The Israeli public is carrying the war on its shoulders. The least our government can do is behave with dignity worthy of that sacrifice.
