Itamar Ben Gvir: From Extremist to Israel’s National Security Minister

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent rhetoric surrounding the conflict with Iran has been multifaceted, shifting depending on the audience. While presenting a message of freedom to Iranians, he characterizes Iran as a nuclear threat during U.S. Meetings, and employs inflammatory language – specifically the term “Amalek” – when addressing the Israeli public, a term previously used during the conflict in Gaza. Alongside him stands Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s Minister of National Security, a figure whose rise to power and extremist views have drawn international condemnation.

Ben Gvir’s ascent represents a significant shift in Israeli politics, bringing a long-time advocate of supremacist ideology into a position of considerable authority. He leverages state power to promote Kahanist ideas, rooted in the beliefs of Rabbi Meir Kahane, who advocated for the expulsion of Palestinians and the use of violence to achieve those goals. This article examines Ben Gvir’s background, his political trajectory, and the implications of his current role within the Israeli government.

A History of Extremism

Ben Gvir has openly expressed hatred toward Arabs since his youth, embracing the ideology of Meir Kahane. He joined the youth wing of the Kach Party, which was banned in Israel as a terrorist organization when he was 16. Due to his extremist views and activities, he was deemed a “security risk” by the Israeli military and was not permitted to perform mandatory military service.

He first gained public attention by waving a car emblem taken from the vehicle of assassinated Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, declaring, “We’ve reached his car. now it’s Rabin’s turn.” He likewise displayed a photograph of Baruch Goldstein, the perpetrator of the 1994 Hebron mosque massacre, on his wall for years.

Ben Gvir has faced numerous investigations, court cases, and criminal convictions, but has consistently evaded serious consequences, continuing his radical activities while practicing as an attorney.

Since the 2000s, Ben Gvir has represented individuals accused of attacks against Palestinians, often defending radical settlers in the West Bank. He resides in Kiryat Arba, an illegal settlement known for its extremist views.

From Fringe to Minister

Ben Gvir began his political career as a parliamentary advisor to far-right Knesset member Michael Ben-Ari in 2009. In 2013, he co-founded the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, based on Kahane’s ideology. The party initially failed to meet the electoral threshold.

In the 2019 elections, Ben-Ari’s candidacy was vetoed by the Supreme Court due to racist rhetoric, blocking Ben Gvir’s election. However, in 2021, with the support of Benjamin Netanyahu, Otzma Yehudit entered the Knesset by forming an alliance with Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party. Netanyahu’s support was crucial in this outcome.

Following his entry into the Knesset, Ben Gvir continued provocative actions, including inciting violence in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem, and brandishing a weapon while threatening Palestinians. He was also involved in incidents in Tel Aviv and at the El-Arub refugee camp near Hebron.

The rise of the far-right in the 2022 elections, where the bloc including Otzma Yehudit secured 14 seats, paved the way for Ben Gvir’s appointment as Minister of National Security. This appointment placed him in command of the Israeli police force and border units in the occupied Palestinian territories.

His tenure as minister has been marked by calls for stricter security policies and a disregard for violence perpetrated by illegal settlers.

Provocative Actions and International Response

Ben Gvir has repeatedly stormed the Haram al-Sharif, a site holy to both Muslims and Jews, violating international agreements and escalating tensions. He has also advocated for the “depopulation” of Palestinian territories and the expansion of Jewish settlements.

Following the October 7th attacks, Ben Gvir authorized the distribution of automatic rifles to Israeli civilians and settlers in the West Bank, while Palestinians are prohibited from possessing firearms. This action has contributed to an increase in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

He has engaged in highly publicized raids, making inflammatory statements and threats against Palestinians. In one instance, he told a Palestinian homeowner, “I don’t care! Jews are above the law…You have two hours. Clear this place out, or I’ll arrest you!”

Ben Gvir has also taken actions targeting Palestinian symbols and memory, including attempting to remove the grave of Palestinian resistance leader Izzeddin al-Qassam.

His actions have drawn international condemnation, leading to sanctions and travel bans imposed by countries including Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, and the Netherlands.

Ben Gvir’s appointment and actions reflect a broader shift in Israeli politics and a willingness to embrace extremist ideologies. He operates as a figure who thrives on chaos and disorder, rather than a traditional minister focused on security and stability.