Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir clash over credit after Altalena discovery

The discovery of the Altalena, a ship sunk off Israel's coast during the War of Independence, led to a public dispute between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over who deserved credit. Netanyahu, avoiding a joint appearance, held a separate press conference at the Etzel Museum, stating his intention to raise the ship and make it “a tangible symbol” with the message: “Civil war, never again!” He highlighted the ship's role in bringing weapons and the tragic loss of life when the Haganah opened fire. Netanyahu also mentioned his efforts since 2009 to locate the ship, finally succeeding after 78 years. Ben-Gvir later issued his own statement, calling the Altalena “a symbol of the national camp that for years they tried to boycott, silence, and remove from legitimacy.” He emphasized Begin's principle of