Controversial Figure Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Impact on Israel’s Political Landscape

Upcoming elections in Israel on October 27 suggest the National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit Party could secure seven to ten seats in the 120-member Knesset. This potential outcome may position Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party to rely on his support, possibly leading to senior ministerial roles for Ben-Gvir.

Ben-Gvir’s political ascent mirrors a trend in parts of Europe and the West, where figures like France’s Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella have seen similar growth alongside others such as Geert Wilders in the Netherlands and Pauline Hanson of Australia. In Italy and Germany, Matteo Salvini and Alice Weidel’s parties have also gained ground.

As Israel’s national security minister, Ben-Gvir oversees internal security apparatus including the Israel Police and Prison Service. According to Yishai Fleisher, an international spokesman for the Jewish community of Hebron, if Ben-Gvir were in the U.S., he might be considered a Texan for his focus on strong law implementation, death penalty advocacy for murderers, and gun rights for self-defense.

“There is a jihadist takeover that has come in through immigration. Now the streets of Paris are burning, and the people of Belgium and the U.K. want their countries back,” Fleisher commented, expressing a desire to prevent similar unrest in Israel.

Former Israeli Ambassador to Washington, Danny Ayalon, criticized Ben-Gvir’s tenure. He argued that Ben-Gvir’s rhetoric has damaged Israel’s diplomatic standing by portraying it negatively on a global stage.

Ben-Gvir, active in public and political sectors since his Knesset election in 2021, was appointed national security minister in 2022 by Netanyahu. Despite lacking military service and with a past conviction for supporting a terrorist organization, which he says stemmed from youthful nationalism, Ben-Gvir is now recognized for cracking down on crime and supporting Jewish equality on the Temple Mount.

Critics have questioned the effectiveness of Ben-Gvir’s policies, citing ongoing issues in regions like the Negev and Galilee where law enforcement is weak. Despite accomplishments like tripling firearms licenses and reforming the prison system, Ambassador Ayalon has expressed skepticism about the overall improvement in security under Ben-Gvir’s leadership.

There remains ongoing speculation about Ben-Gvir’s future role, with recent statements from both his and Netanyahu’s channels suggesting possible political maneuvers. Regardless of public statements, political players like Ayalon suggest Netanyahu might make strategic alignments that could exclude Ben-Gvir if beneficial.

Amidst these developments, polls indicate no clear majority path for either Netanyahu’s bloc or the opposition, led by Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar, to form a government. This highlights the complex and shifting dynamics of Israeli politics as the election approaches.