Contentious debate swirls in Israel,abroad — is National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir just an extremist outlier or voice of a growing political faction?
His recent moves stir the pot, drawing international fire. Confronting restrained aid workers,rejecting a U.S.-Iran truce deal — these actions have allies fuming.
Strong rebukes from key partners: UK,France, Italy,Canada. Even U.S.,Israel's closest ally,not happy with Ben-Gvir.
Prime Minister Netanyahu distances himself. Says it's "not in line with Israel’s values," acknowledges global image hit. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar slams him harder, calling Ben-Gvir "not face of Israel." Israeli media tries to separate his actions from official policy.
But some argue Ben-Gvir reflects a rising force in Israel. Knesset member Aida Touma-Sliman says, "He’s stupid, which tells us he’s not acting on his own." Suggests wider support .
Touma-Sliman notes Ben-Gvir's agenda gets backing from politicians,civil servants with similar views. Since taking National Security Minister role in 2022, he wields power over police,prisons.
His radical roots run deep. Born 1976, religious by 12,radicalized at 14 during First Intifada. In 1995,brandished a car ornament from Prime Minister Rabin's vehicle,threatening,"We got to his car,we’ll get to him, too," weeks before Rabin's assassination.
A high school teacher recalls his support for extremist Kach party,founded by Rabbi Meir Kahane. Kach banned in 1988,labeled terrorist group in 1994 after Hebron massacre by member Baruch Goldstein.
Goldstein inspired Ben-Gvir. Took his future wife to Goldstein's grave on first date. Had portrait of Goldstein at home until 2021, when political advisers suggested removal.
Ben-Gvir faced 53 indictments. In 2007, convicted of incitement to racism, supporting terrorist group. Arrested for signs saying "Expel the Arab enemy," "Rabbi Kahane was right: The Arab MKs are a fifth column."
Israeli Bar Association tried to block him,but Ben-Gvir became lawyer in 2012. Gained fame defending far-right settlers.
His ties to far-right clear by 2015, attending wedding of Amiram Ben-Uliel, later convicted of killing a baby,parents in West Bank village Duma. Wedding guests danced with weapons,stabbed photo of infant victim.
Ben-Gvir defended attendance,saying "no one realised these were photos of a member of the Dawabsheh family." Knesset member Ofer Cassif calls him "a violent man," "a bully."
In 2022, Netanyahu brokered alliance between Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich,leader of far-right Religious Zionist Party. Coalition became Knesset's third-largest,solidifying Netanyahu's government,showcasing its extreme wing.
As minister,Ben-Gvir accused of reshaping Israeli police to mirror his ideology. Boasts online about worsening conditions for Palestinian detainees, many held without charges. Defends sexual violence,forced starvation.
Led incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque,defying government policy. After October 7,2023,Hamas attack,Ben-Gvir…
