29.10.2026 15:54
In exit polls announced after the general elections in Israel, the ruling bloc led by Netanyahu losing its majority provoked a reaction in the far-right wing of the government. Osher Gabay, deputy to far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, expressed his disappointment with the election results with the words "the Israeli people are stupid."
After the general elections held in Israel, reactions against the defeat rose from the far-right ruling coalition. Following exit polls showing that the bloc led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to reach the 61 seats needed to form a government, Osher Gabay, deputy and adviser to far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, targeted voters.
"THE ISRAELI PEOPLE ARE STUPID"
Speaking to journalists at the election-night gathering of the Jewish Power (Otzma Yehudit) Party led by Ben-Gvir, Gabay did not hide his disappointment with the results. Gabay said, "Of course I am disappointed. The Israeli people are stupid."
NETANYAHU BLOC REMAINS AT 50 SEATS
According to the exit poll updated by Israeli state television KAN, the opposition bloc led by former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot wins 52 seats, while the ruling bloc led by Netanyahu wins 50 seats.
The Jewish Power Party led by Ben-Gvir is projected to remain at 7 seats.
The Joint List formed by the Hadash, Taal and Balad parties, which represent Palestinian citizens of Israel, is expected to increase its number of seats from 10 to 11, while the Raam Party led by Mansour Abbas is projected to win 7 seats.
With these results, no bloc reaches the 61-seat majority needed to form a government in the 120-member Knesset.
HE HAS PAST CONVICTIONS FOR OFFENSES AGAINST PALESTINIANS
Osher Gabay, who is part of Ben-Gvir's inner circle, has past sentences for crimes of assault and threats against Palestinians.
Gabay was sentenced to four months of community service in 2017 for an incident in which he kicked and beat a Palestinian with an iron bar. He served three months in prison for another threat offense.
It is stated that Gabay, who is said not to officially serve on the ministry staff, has long accompanied Ben-Gvir and was at his side during sensitive visits.
"YALLAH BEN-GVIR" SLOGANS FROM PALESTINIANS
After the exit polls were announced, celebrations were held in Arab communities in Israel. Crowds chanted "Yallah Ben-Gvir."
Ben-Gvir, in a statement on election day, reiterated his view that Palestinians in Gaza could be sent to European countries such as France or Britain.