Itamar Ben Gvir
Itamar Ben Gvir is an Israeli politician and lawyer serving as the Minister of National Security. As leader of the Otzma Yehudit party, he oversees the Israel Police and advocates for a hardline security-first policy, emphasizing national sovereignty and zero tolerance for terrorism.
Itamar Ben Gvir is a central figure in Israel's right-wing political landscape, currently serving as the Minister of National Security in the government led by Benjamin Netanyahu. His political identity is defined by a 'security-first' doctrine, emphasizing national sovereignty and a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. As the minister responsible for the Israel Police, Ben Gvir has consistently pushed for increased operational latitude for security forces and legislative changes to implement the death penalty for convicted terrorists. His tenure has been marked by frequent visits to the scenes of terror attacks and a vocal presence in security cabinet debates.
In mid-2026, Ben Gvir emerged as a leading critic of the 'Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,' a U.S.-Iran diplomatic framework, arguing it does not obligate Israel and calling for immediate retaliatory strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon following deadly incidents on the northern border. This stance led to direct friction with the Trump administration, specifically Vice President JD Vance, who challenged Ben Gvir to present a strategic alternative to military force. Domestically, Ben Gvir has focused on expanding the Shin Bet's role in combating organized crime within the Arab sector, securing a NIS 500 million budget for this purpose in July 2026. He has also been involved in controversial legislative efforts, such as the 'Muezzin Bill' to restrict loudspeaker calls to prayer.
Recently, his position has come under intense legal pressure; in July 2026, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara petitioned the High Court of Justice for his dismissal, citing concerns over his conduct and influence on police operations ahead of the upcoming elections. In response, Ben Gvir issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Netanyahu, demanding the Attorney General's dismissal as a condition for his party's participation in the next government. Despite these challenges, Ben Gvir remains a pivotal figure for his base, continuing to advocate for expanded Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria and a hardline response to regional threats.