Administration officials and Jewish groups in the United States are concerned about far-right MK Itamar Ben Gvir potentially becoming a minister in the cabinet should Benjamin Netanyahu win the election and establish a coalition, Israel Hayom has learned.
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The Biden administration is following the political developments in Israel with concern and is troubled by the possibility of Ben Gvir, who heads the far-right Otzma Yehudit, becoming a minister in the future Israeli government, one official said.
Polls predict a near victory for Netanyahu, and should he garner 61 seats, he will be able to form a coalition without the help of any outside faction.
The official said that although it was too early to comment on the matter, should the situation head in that direction, Washington will make its position very clear.
"It would be a huge problem for us," he said. "Anyone who has common sense understands the problems. Look at Ben Gvir's history, his actions, his statements. This is not someone we want to see as part of the government. Netanyahu is very smart and experienced and understands the consequences of such a development. This has not been discussed with him yet, because – as mentioned – we are at an early stage. But there is no doubt that he understands."
A Jewish American leader used even harsher rhetoric, saying that Ben Gvir becoming minister would make his work and the work of his colleagues in the US very difficult.
"Our efforts in defending Israel are aimed at ensuring that it enjoys the legitimacy to present its positions and that we trust it even in cases where they may be a concern that a mistake has been made. But Ben Gvir becoming a minister in the government will take our ability to defend away," he said.
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"In US terms, it is like the Ku Klux Klan in the Israeli government. It is an insurmountable thing. We won't be able to defend this," said the official, who is not a member of a progressive Jewish stream in America. He also rejected Ben Gvir's adjusted positions as presented before the elections and said they were not credible.
Nevertheless, the official said that Ben Gvir joining the coalition, rather than becoming a minister, would be a tolerable compromise.
Israel Hayom reached out to Likud, which declined to comment.
Otzma Yehudit, in turn, lambasted Yair Lapid for inviting the US administration to "interfere in the Israeli election process" and vowed to establish a strong and stable right-wing government, "much to the chagrin of the Reform community."
