Polling conducted before Israel’s October 27 election projects that National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit party will win between seven and ten seats in the 120‑member Knesset. That level of representation could make any future government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party dependent on Ben‑Gvir’s support, giving him leverage to seek senior ministerial portfolios.
Ben‑Gvir’s Rise Mirrors Global Populist Trends
The Israeli firebrand’s ascent reflects a broader pattern seen across Europe and the West, where parties such as Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in France, Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom in the Netherlands, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in Australia, Matteo Salvini’s League in Italy, and Alice Weidel’s AfD in Germany have all gained ground against traditional conservative parties.
Policy Stance and Controversy
As national security minister, Ben‑Gvir oversees internal security, including the Israel Police, the Israel Prison Service, and civilian firearms licensing. Supporters, including Yishai Fleisher – international spokesman for the Jewish community of Hebron and a candidate on the Otzma Yehudit list – describe him as a “law‑and‑order” advocate who backs the death penalty for murderers, tougher prison conditions for jihadists, and expanded gun rights for ordinary citizens.
Fleisher also credits Ben‑Gvir with tripling the number of personal firearms licenses issued over four years, establishing rapid‑response teams, overhauling the prison system, and demolishing thousands of illegally built homes, particularly in the Negev region.
Critics and Legal History
Former Israeli Ambassador to Washington Danny Ayalon, a former deputy defense minister, argues that Ben‑Gvir’s tenure has damaged Israel’s diplomatic standing, saying the minister’s statements have portrayed Israel as a racist country. Ayalon also notes a rise in internal crime and questions whether Ben‑Gvir can deliver on promises of greater security in areas such as the Negev and the Galilee.
Ben‑Gvir’s past includes a 2007 conviction for supporting a terrorist organization and inciting racism, stemming from a sticker bearing the late Rabbi Meir Kahane, whose Kach party was outlawed in 1994. He has publicly stated that he has matured since that episode.
Future Coalition Dynamics
Recent statements from Netanyahu’s Likud party suggest Ben‑Gvir will remain a senior minister in the next government, provided the left‑wing and Arab parties do not secure a majority. However, Ayalon warns that Netanyahu could choose to exclude Ben‑Gvir if it serves a broader coalition strategy.
The latest polls indicate Netanyahu’s bloc is slightly behind the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party, leaving the path to the 61 seats needed for a governing majority uncertain.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
