The cabinet meeting that took place after the publication of US President Donald Trump’s interview with TIME magazine included a heated confrontation between National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. The confrontation revolved around Ben-Gvir’s public response to Trump’s comments regarding the possible release of terrorist Marwan Barghouti.
Ben Gvir posted the following on X after the content of Trump’s interview with Time Magazine went public:
“I have great respect for President Trump, who is certainly the best American president towards Israel. And at the same time, it is important to remember: Israel is a sovereign, independent state – members of the Knesset vote according to their discretion. And Barghouti is a heinous Nazi murderer, who has the blood of many civilians, women, and children on his hands. He will not be released and will not lead Gaza.”
During the discussion, Ben-Gvir’s tweet was read to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who in turn turned to Ben-Gvir and said: “This is your tweet.” Minister Dermer sharply attacked Ben-Gvir: “I don’t understand what you’re talking about at all. Trump doesn’t even know who Barghouti is. They just threw a name at him.” Ben-Gvir did not remain unmoved and replied to Dermer: “So it’s important that they explain to him who he is, and it’s important that the Americans know that we have red lines. Dismantling Hamas and not releasing Barghouti”.
The storm began following an interview Trump gave to TIME magazine, in which he revealed that he was considering supporting the release of the master murderer Marwan Barghouti. “That was my question today”, Trump admitted, “I will make a decision soon”. In the interview, Trump also addressed the issue of sovereignty, which he rejected outright.
Marwan Barghouti founded and led the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, a designated terrorist group responsible for killing dozens of Israelis through suicide bombings and shootings during the Second Intifada (2001-2005). He also headed Tanzim, a Fatah armed faction that conducted attacks on Israeli civilians during the same period.
An overwhelming majority of Israelis oppose the release of Marwan Barghouti under any circumstances.