Itamar Ben Gvir
- Known for
- Israeli politician, Minister of National Security, Kahanist leader
- Education
- Ono Academic College
- Quote
- "We got to his car, and we'll get to him too."
Itamar Ben-Gvir is a leading figure on Israel's far-right, serving as the Minister of National Security and leader of the Otzma Yehudit party. His political identity is rooted in Kahanism, a movement advocating for radical anti-Arab policies. Ben-Gvir is known for being a consistent provocateur with a history of convictions for racism and supporting banned organizations.
Signature Positions
Ben-Gvir's policy positions focus on aggressive measures regarding security, residency, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict:
- National Security: Advocated for loosening firearm regulations, resulting in significant increases in licensed civilian guns.
- Gaza/Palestine: Calls for the elimination of Hamas, and has suggested that the Gaza war is an opportunity to encourage migration out of Gaza and support Jewish settlement there.
- West Bank/Settlements: Resides in the Kiryat Arba settlement and asserts that the movement rights of Israeli settlers are superior to those of Arabs in the region.
- Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa: Regularly challenges the status quo with provocative visits, asserting the site belongs "only to the State of Israel."
- Arab Citizens of Israel: Has called for the expulsion of Arab citizens who are not loyal to the State.
Notable Tensions
Ben-Gvir’s career is marked by significant controversy and political friction:
- International Condemnation: He has been sanctioned by the UK, Canada, Australia, Norway, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Spain for inciting settler violence, leading to travel bans and asset freezes.
- Internal Rift: Temporarily resigned from the government in early 2025 in protest of a Gaza ceasefire deal, illustrating deep policy clashes within the governing coalition.
- Legal History: His background includes convictions for incitement to racism and supporting a terrorist organization, yet he succeeded in becoming the Minister of National Security.
- Law Enforcement Conduct: Criticized the prosecution of Israeli soldiers suspected of abusing Palestinian prisoners, calling for them to receive "full support."
As a lawyer, Ben-Gvir earned a reputation as the "go-to man" for Jewish extremists facing charges related to terrorism and hate crimes. His political ascent, following his alliance with Bezalel Smotrich, was highly controversial, with warnings that his participation threatened Israeli democracy. His actions often force contradictory responses from Prime Minister Netanyahu's office and international allies.
