According to a report by The Times Of Israel, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir took to social media to address US President Donald Trump, asserting that “Israel is a sovereign and independent state” and stressing that “members of the Knesset vote according to their own discretion.” His post, shared on X, came in response to preliminary Knesset votes on two bills aiming to annex parts of the West Bank, both of which Ben Gvir’s far-right Otzma Yehudit party supported.
Trump, however, has made it clear that he opposes any Israeli annexation of the West Bank. During the vote, US Vice President JD Vance, who was visiting Israel, described the legislation as “very stupid.” Despite the tension, Ben Gvir reiterated his admiration for Trump, calling him “the best American president toward Israel” and noting his “great respect” for him.
In his post, Ben Gvir also appeared to respond to Trump’s remarks in Time magazine, released earlier today, suggesting the president might press Israel to free Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian leader and convicted terrorist held in Israeli custody. Ben Gvir strongly rejected any notion of Barghouti’s release, labeling him “a vile Nazi murderer responsible for the blood of many civilians, women, and children” and asserting that he “will not be released and will not lead Gaza.”
Barghouti’s potential release has been a point of contention in recent negotiations. Hamas negotiators, in a US-mediated hostage-prisoner exchange deal, tried unsuccessfully to secure his freedom. Ben Gvir’s remarks signal Israel’s firm stance against these efforts and underline his broader opposition to any concessions involving Barghouti.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Israeli leaders’ domestic policy positions and US diplomatic pressures. While Ben Gvir maintains that Knesset members act independently in accordance with Israeli sovereignty, American officials continue to voice concerns over steps perceived as complicating the peace process or inflaming regional instability. As the debate over annexation and prisoner negotiations continues, Ben Gvir’s statements reflect a defiant posture aimed at reaffirming both national autonomy and security priorities.
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