Itamar Ben-Gvir

Itamar Ben-Gvir is an Israeli politician, lawyer, and the leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, serving as Minister of National Security since 2022 and as a member of the Knesset since 2021. A prominent and controversial figure in Israeli politics, his political career is rooted in Kahanist ideology and activism, having been a disciple of the late Meir Kahane. His tenure has been marked by strong advocacy for settlement expansion, changes to policing and security policy, and numerous legal and political controversies.

Early life and education

He was born in Mevaseret Zion to Iraqi-Kurdish Jewish parents who immigrated to Israel. During his youth, he became involved with the extremist Kach movement, led by Meir Kahane, and was a member of its youth wing. His early activism led to multiple arrests and convictions, including for incitement to racism and supporting a terrorist organization. He later pursued legal studies, graduating from the Ono Academic College and becoming a lawyer, often representing Jewish extremist clients, including those accused of Jewish terrorism.

Political career

His formal political career began with his leadership of Otzma Yehudit, a party that evolved from the banned Kach movement. After several unsuccessful electoral attempts, the party entered the Knesset in 2021 as part of the Religious Zionist Party alliance, which included Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party. Following the 2022 Israeli legislative election, he played a key role in the formation of the thirty-seventh government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, negotiating a ministerial position. He was subsequently appointed as the head of a newly expanded Ministry of National Security, gaining significant authority over the Israel Police and Border Police.

Political positions and ideology

His ideology is firmly rooted in the tenets of Kahanism, advocating for the annexation of the West Bank and the encouragement of Palestinian emigration. He is a staunch supporter of settlement activity and has called for the application of Israeli law over all of Judea and Samaria. He has frequently made statements deemed inflammatory against Arab citizens and political opponents, and has advocated for loosening rules of engagement for IDF soldiers and police. A central figure in the Religious Zionist Party bloc, his positions often align with other right-wing factions such as Noam and segments of Likud.

Controversies and legal issues

His career has been defined by numerous legal and public controversies. As a youth, he was convicted for incitement to racism and for displaying a symbol of a terrorist organization, related to his support for Kach. Throughout his legal and political life, he has faced accusations of racism and incitement to violence. As a minister, his visits to the Temple Mount and the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound have drawn condemnation from Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, and the United States Department of State. His policies and statements as Minister of National Security have frequently sparked protests and criticism from the Israeli left, Yesh Atid, and the Israeli Labor Party.

Personal life

He is married to Ayala Nimrodi, a former journalist for the newspaper Israel Hayom and daughter of the late billionaire Ofer Nimrodi. The couple has five children and resides in the Israeli settlement of Kiryat Arba, adjacent to the city of Hebron in the West Bank. His personal residence has been a point of contention, as it is located in a area of significant Israeli–Palestinian conflict. He is known for displaying in his home a portrait of Baruch Goldstein, the perpetrator of the Cave of the Patriarchs massacre.

Category:Israeli politicians Category:Members of the Knesset