Israeli polls project that National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit Party might secure seven to ten seats in the Knesset ahead of the October 27 election. This could mean future government formations led by Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party might depend on his support, which positions him for key ministerial roles.
His rise parallels trends in Europe and the West. Politicians like France’s Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, Geert Wilders of the Netherlands, Pauline Hanson in Australia, Matteo Salvini in Italy, and Alice Weidel in Germany have gained traction over traditional conservative parties.
As National Security Minister, Ben-Gvir oversees Israel’s internal security, including the police, prison services, and firearm licensing. Yishai Fleisher, spokesman for Hebron’s Jewish community and candidate on the Otzma Yehudit list, mentioned, “In America, Minister Ben-Gvir would be considered a Texan,” highlighting his law and order stance, death penalty advocacy, and support for gun rights.
Fleisher noted that mass immigration has fueled Islamist extremism in Europe. Israelis seek to prevent similar unrest. “Immigration has brought jihadist takeovers, causing unrest in Paris. Israel aims to avoid this scenario,” Fleisher remarked, pointing to law-and-order candidates as a solution.
Former Israeli Ambassador Danny Ayalon critiqued Ben-Gvir, citing his missed opportunities to positively impact Israel’s diplomatic image. He argued Ben-Gvir’s rhetoric has painted Israel as a racist nation.
Fleisher praised Ben-Gvir for actions like cracking down on southern Israel’s protection rackets and advancing equality on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount. As a former activist, Ben-Gvir faced arrests and was urged by Chief Justice Aharon Barak to pursue law studies.
Ben-Gvir began his public service in 2021, later becoming national security minister. He faces criticism for his outspoken style, which some deem politically incorrect. Ambassador Ayalon expressed dissatisfaction with his ministerial performance.
Recent social media posts cast doubt on Ben-Gvir and Netanyahu’s alignment. While Netanyahu’s statements imply possible exclusion, Likud’s official channels reaffirmed Ben-Gvir’s status in a new government if successful.
Ayalon suggested Netanyahu might exclude Ben-Gvir, potentially forming alliances with opposition figures like Gadi Eisenkot.
Fleisher credited Ben-Gvir with major reforms, including tripling firearm licenses, creating rapid-response teams, overhauling prisons, and demolishing illegal structures. Ben-Gvir advocates for tougher prison conditions, with the Knesset backing related legislation.
Polls show Netanyahu slightly trailing the opposition led by Eisenkot’s Yashar party, with unclear paths to a majority. Amelie Botbol reports from Tel Aviv on Israeli news.