Israel's national security minister has a record of extreme actions

Key Points:

• Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right national security minister, sparked international condemnation after posting videos taunting detained activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza, drawing criticism from foreign leaders and Prime Minister Netanyahu.
• Denied military service as a teenager due to extreme views, Ben-Gvir rose from far-right fringes to become a powerful political figure, known for his provocative actions and rhetoric, including past convictions for racism and support of terrorist organizations.
• Ben-Gvir’s political ascent reflects a rightward shift in Israel, with his ultranationalist ideology gaining mainstream acceptance; he has called for harsh measures against Palestinians and political opponents, and oversees the police and security forces in occupied territories.
• Controversially, Ben-Gvir has opposed humanitarian aid to Gaza during the recent conflict, supported the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis, and faced international sanctions for inciting extremist violence.
• He briefly resigned from Netanyahu’s cabinet in protest of a Gaza ceasefire in early 2024 but later returned, continuing to influence Israel’s hardline security policies amid ongoing tensions.