Israel’s Political Landscape: Ben-Gvir’s Growing Influence

Polling suggests that National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit Party could win between seven and ten seats in the 120-member Knesset in the upcoming election. This potential success might make Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party reliant on Ben-Gvir’s support, allowing him to secure key ministerial roles.

Ben-Gvir’s political rise is similar to trends seen across Europe and the West, where figures such as Marine Le Pen in France and Geert Wilders in the Netherlands have gained influence in comparison to traditional conservative parties.

As national security minister, Ben-Gvir oversees agencies such as the Israel Police, Israel Prison Service, and civilian firearms licensing. Yishai Fleisher, an international spokesman for the Jewish community of Hebron, likened him to a Texan due to his advocacy for law and order, capital punishment for murderers, and enhanced gun rights for Jews.

“I always say that Minister Ben-Gvir, if he were in America, he would just be called a Texan,” Fleisher told Fox News Digital.

Fleisher emphasized that Ben-Gvir’s policies aim to prevent the emergence of extremist unrest in Israel, referencing the situation in parts of Europe affected by mass immigration.

Danny Ayalon, former Israeli Ambassador to Washington, criticized Ben-Gvir’s tenure, citing a damaging impact on Israel’s international standing.

“Ben-Gvir spoke in a way that turned the entire world against Israel, portraying it as a racist country,” Ayalon said.

Despite criticisms, Ben-Gvir has pushed initiatives like cracking down on protection rackets and advocating for Jews’ rights on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. His legal and public career began as a notable activist, often challenging policies like the Oslo process with Palestinians.

Ben-Gvir’s tenure as national security minister received mixed reviews. Critics point to a rise in crime and unmet promises of stronger governance in regions like the Negev and Galilee.

In 2007, Ben-Gvir was convicted for supporting a terrorist group, a conviction tied to his youthful nationalist activism. He has since stated he matured and moved beyond those views.

Recent disagreements between Ben-Gvir and Netanyahu’s Likud Party raise questions about their future collaboration. Ben-Gvir’s social media suggested a breach, but a subsequent Likud statement assured his potential continuing role in any future government.

Ayalon suggested Netanyahu, if politically convenient, might exclude Ben-Gvir in favor of alliances with opposition figures like Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party.

Ben-Gvir’s achievements include increasing firearm availability, establishing rapid-response teams, overhauling prisons, and promoting a death-penalty law for terrorists.

“You’ll know you are being punished for your crime, and these simple policies ultimately deter jihadism,” Fleisher asserted.

Polls indicate Netanyahu’s bloc faces tight competition from the opposition led by Eisenkot, with both sides lacking a clear path to a majority needed for government formation.

Amelie Botbol, a field reporter based in Tel Aviv, covers news pertaining to Israel.