Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben Gvir published an unusual personal message to MK Tzvika Foghel on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, asking for his forgiveness after their shared political path in the Knesset came to an end. Foghel will not run in the upcoming elections to the Knesset.
Ben Gvir dedicated warm words to Foghel, expressing his deep appreciation for his former political partner and the years they worked together. “Even when we are no longer moving forward together, due to circumstances, constraints and the difficult decisions that sometimes have to be made in the complex world of politics, that should not diminish the depth of the appreciation, love and gratitude,” he wrote.
He described Foghel as “a dear, courageous and principled man, a fighter and a man of great spirit,” stressing that in his view, Foghel’s courage did not end with his years of service in the security forces. “Tzvika, you are a fighter. Not only in uniform and throughout decades of distinguished service for the security of the state, but a fighter for the truth.”
Ben Gvir also praised Foghel’s positions over the years regarding the Gaza Strip. He said that while others preferred to ignore the problem, Foghel warned about it. “You spoke out, and you were right. What a shame they didn’t listen to you. What a shame there weren’t many more people like you.”
He went on to thank Foghel’s wife, Anat, and their children. He said he had learned a great deal from Foghel and that their shared path in the Knesset and public life had been “a great privilege” for him.
Toward the end of his message came the request for forgiveness. “I love you very much, Tzvika, and I appreciate you. I ask for forgiveness from the bottom of my heart,” Ben Gvir wrote.
Despite their political separation, Ben Gvir made clear that he does not consider their relationship to be over: “Even if our shared path in the Knesset has ended, our journey does not end here. I am sure that, with God’s help, there will be more to come. Thank you for everything. Shana Tova, and may you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.”
(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News’ North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Rosh Hashanah in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)