Nobody better represents Israeli politics today than Itamar Ben-Gvir
He may be the most brazen of the nation’s leaders, but his ideological spirit is found throughout its government, and beyond
TL;DR
- Multiple Western governments condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for his actions towards detained activists.
- Ben-Gvir holds a senior position in the Israeli government, heading a ministry created for him with authority over police forces.
- His alleged actions include cracking down on Palestinian freedom of expression, distributing assault rifles, and changing the status quo on the Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa compound.
- He also oversees the prison system, which has faced accusations of torture and abuse, and is linked to legislation imposing the death penalty on Palestinians.
- The author argues Ben-Gvir has mainstreamed the racist ideology of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane, which includes expelling Palestinians.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is credited with brokering a merger that led to Ben-Gvir's current political power.
- The article suggests Ben-Gvir's ideology is increasingly present among Israeli youth, police, army, and security agencies.