Portrait of Itamar Ben Gvir
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Itamar Ben Gvir on Bezalel Smotrich

Coalition ally and partner (strong) Flip Head to head

TL;DR

Itamar Ben Gvir seeks a partnership with Bezalel Smotrich to coordinate and exert enough power to thwart significant government policy shifts.

Key Points

  • The two ministers together hold 13 seats in the 120-member Knesset and are critical to the prime minister's slim majority.

  • Smotrich previously demanded that generals wait 10 years after military service before entering politics, in response to criticism.

  • Both Ben Gvir and Smotrich were sanctioned by the UK, among other nations, for their involvement in West Bank violence.

Summary

Itamar Ben Gvir actively seeks a partnership with Bezalel Smotrich to form a united bloc within the government, with the stated aim of thwarting emerging policy deals, such as ceasefire agreements. The National Security Minister reportedly reached out to the Finance Minister to coordinate their opposition, believing that together their two parties command enough votes to halt a process, even if the cabinet itself could overrule them. The dynamic between the two far-right leaders is often characterized by their joint, outsized influence on the governing coalition, which relies on their support for survival, despite their small combined presence in the Knesset.

Both ministers represent an ideological position that rejects outside criticism based on a metaphysical belief in Jewish statehood rather than tangible behavior, which distinguishes them even from other conservative politicians. Smotrich has previously pushed back against military figures who criticized his proposals, demanding generals wait longer before entering politics. Their alliance, forged before the 2022 elections, has propelled them from the political fringe to key ministerial positions, granting them significant control over security and finance portfolios.

Frequently Asked Questions

Itamar Ben Gvir views Bezalel Smotrich as a crucial political ally with whom he seeks a formal partnership. He reportedly contacted Smotrich to coordinate opposition within the government to specific policy initiatives.

Yes, they are key figures on the far-right of the governing coalition, with both holding significant ministerial roles. Ben Gvir serves as National Security Minister and Smotrich as Finance Minister.

Recent reports suggest Ben Gvir is actively seeking to strengthen his coordination with Smotrich to gain leverage. There is no indication of a negative shift, but rather a consolidation of their partnership for political goals.