Itamar Ben-Gvir Returns to Israeli Government as Gaza Conflict Grows
Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right Israeli politician, is returning to the government as tensions in Gaza rise. Ben-Gvir, known for his hardline views, has pushed for a tougher approach in the war against Hamas, even as the Palestinian death toll in Gaza has surpassed 48,000.
According to Reuters, Ben-Gvir resigned as national security minister in January over disagreements about a ceasefire but is now rejoining the government. His return strengthens Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, which had been struggling with a slim majority in parliament.
Ben-Gvir, leader of the Jewish Power party, has long been a controversial figure. He supports expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank and has called for the permanent conquest of Gaza. These views have put him at odds with Netanyahu, who has rejected such plans.
Ben-Gvir’s actions have often sparked international criticism. For example, his visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem last year, a site sacred to both Muslims and Jews, caused global outrage. He has also been convicted of racist incitement in the past and is a follower of Meir Kahane, a rabbi whose ideas were banned in Israel and labeled as terrorism by the U.S.
Despite softening some of his rhetoric in recent years, Ben-Gvir remains a polarizing figure. His return to the government signals a shift toward more hardline policies, which could further strain Israel’s relations with its allies, including the United States.
Credit to Reuters for their detailed reporting on this story. Ben-Gvir’s comeback highlights the challenges of balancing domestic politics and international diplomacy in the ongoing conflict.