Israel's far-right national security minister has sparked global outrage after promoting a video of himself taunting activists from a flotilla to Gaza who were detained by his police force. Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has a long history as a provocateur, rose from an outlaw youth to become one of the most powerful figures in the country.
Outlaw youth
Ben-Gvir has been convicted eight times for offenses including racism and supporting a terrorist organization. The army banned him from compulsory military service as a teenager, deeming his views too extreme. He gained notoriety as a follower of the late radical rabbi Meir Kahane and first became a national figure in 1995 when he broke a hood ornament off then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's car, stating, "We got to his car, and we'll get to him too," weeks before Rabin's assassination.
Moving to the mainstream
Ben-Gvir's political rise reflects a rightward shift in the Israeli electorate. Trained as a lawyer, he gained recognition defending extremist Jews accused of violence against Palestinians. With a quick wit and cheerful demeanor, he became a media fixture and was first elected to parliament in 2021. He has called for deporting political opponents, brandished a pistol in 2022, and encouraged police to open fire on Palestinian stone-throwers. As national security minister, he oversaw the police and encouraged a tough line against anti-government protesters.
Controversial minister
Ben-Gvir, who lives in the Kiryat Arba settlement in the West Bank, secured his Cabinet post after the 2022 elections. He has advocated for mass distribution of handguns, backed legal overhaul efforts, and frequently lashed out at U.S. leaders. During the Gaza war, he opposed humanitarian aid entry, and in July 2025, he was sanctioned by Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway for inciting extremist violence. The Netherlands has banned him from entering the country. He recently celebrated the approval of a death penalty bill for Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis.
Resignation and return
Ben-Gvir temporarily resigned from Netanyahu's Cabinet last year to protest a Gaza ceasefire deal, which ran from Jan. 19 to March 1. His resignation weakened the coalition but did not stop the ceasefire. He rejoined the Cabinet when Israel ended the ceasefire and returned to combat in March 2025, remaining in place through the current ceasefire.
