Hospital scandal – Ben-Gvir went against Netanyahu and got his way
The opening of a new maternity ward at Al-Makassed Hospital, located in East Jerusalem, escalated into a major political drama involving top Israeli officials and foreign diplomats. At the center of the conflict were National…
Assessment
A dispute over a hospital ceremony in East Jerusalem has pitted Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir against Prime Minister Netanyahu's office, with Ben-Gvir blocking an event that would have included diplomats from the UAE and Palestinian Authority officials. The minister cited security service intelligence and police requests to justify his refusal to approve the gathering. The incident reveals ongoing friction within the Israeli government over East Jerusalem policy and the management of diplomatic ties with both the Palestinians and the UAE. The outcome suggests Ben-Gvir's security portfolio gives him effective veto power over such symbolic events.