The leader of Israel’s Jewish Power Party/Religious Zionism Party Itamar Ben-Gvir is set to be appointed minister of national security by newly elected Prime Minister and leader of Likud Party Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu has been processing numerous coalition deals with other right-wing Jewish religious groups in preparation for his term. These choices could be detrimental to Palestine, as fighting tension between the two powers increases. Ben-Gvir is known to be adamantly anti-Palestinian, and has made threats towards the ethnic group as well as countless racist remarks towards Arabs in the past. Most notably, Ben-Gvir intends to grant immunity to Israeli soldiers who shoot Palestinians, deport opposing lawmakers, and impose the death penalty on any Palestinians accused of attacks on Jewish people. Ben-Gvir has also come under fire for being a disciple of rabbi Meir Kahane, who’s Kach Party was branded a terrorist group by the United States (in 1990). The article exposes the horrendous acts Ben-Gvir has done just in the past 10 years, as well as the ideas he has supported and will carry with him into his new position that will allow him full control over police and military.
The article remains strictly informative while explaining Ben-Gvir’s controversies, which only serves to highlight his violent nature. It is important to understand the increased dangers Palestinians will face under Netanyahu’s rule, and the article shows that he has proved to be unhesitant to incorporate racist and violent parties into his parliament. I’m certain that Netanyahu has chosen Ben-Gvir’s position as national security minister in order to maintain a far right-wing mentality in his government. The effect his decision will have on the region has been known, and will continue to dramatically change the outcome of Palestinian lives, families, and futures into a violent reality. With Ben-Gvir’s relation to a figure publicly condemned by the US, his appointment could potentially impact Israel/US relations. As of 2021, the state department’s stance can be described by this quote “Israel is a great partner to the United States, and Israel has no greater friend than the United States.” It is hard to envision this as a continued norm the further right Israel goes, especially if Ben-Gvir continues to support terrorist groups that have been eradicated after massacring Palestinians. We have discussed the issue of racial and cultural prejudice in class, specifically relating to religion. Netanyahu’s government is a clear modern-day example of religious discrimination and human rights issues between countries with a long, tumultuous history.