Time Magazine Profile Highlights Itamar Ben Gvir's Radical Political Vision
Time magazine's profile on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir highlights his radical political ambitions, including securing the defense portfolio, conquering Gaza, and annexing the West Bank.
American magazine Time has published an extensive profile on Itamar Ben Gvir, the Israeli Minister of National Security and leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party. The interview took place at a modest campaign headquarters in the industrial zone of Lod. According to the article, Ben Gvir aims to make Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu even more dependent on hawkish factions in the upcoming elections, despite domestic and international criticism.
Ambitions for the Defense Portfolio and Gaza
During the interview, Ben Gvir expressed his strong support for Netanyahu compared to political rivals like Gadi Eisenkot, but emphasized that his goal is to serve as a senior minister in a fully right-wing government. His ultimate ambition is to secure the defense portfolio, which would grant him control over the IDF and the authority to advance his radical vision: fewer restrictions on military operations, encouraging the voluntary migration of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, and expanding Israeli sovereignty.
"If Israel wants to continue to live and not be destroyed, we must conquer all of Gaza and promote voluntary migration," Ben Gvir stated, adding that the enclave could eventually be transformed into a resort-like riviera. He asserted that no Hamas presence can be tolerated and that Israel must widen its territorial footprint.
West Bank Annexation and Security Policies
Ben Gvir's plans for the West Bank are equally sweeping, advocating for the official annexation of the territory and the disarmament of the Palestinian Authority. He claimed that the PA is preparing for future hostilities, referencing the events of October 7. At the same time, he proposed encouraging millions of Palestinians to leave their homes voluntarily under a new sovereign arrangement.
Former Mossad chief Efraim Halevi criticized the minister sharply in the article, describing him as a source of immense trouble for the country. The profile also touched upon Ben Gvir's political origins in the movement of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane, whose faction was outlawed as a terrorist organization in Israel.
Controversial Legacy and Future Outlook
As Minister of National Security, Ben Gvir has overseen significant shifts in the status quo, including supporting Jewish prayer at the Temple Mount, a policy that has drawn intense criticism across the Arab world. Regarding the intelligence failures of October 7, Ben Gvir deflected primary blame away from Netanyahu, pointing instead to the military establishment, the Shin Bet, and intelligence branches.
Looking ahead to the elections, Ben Gvir categorically ruled out joining a national unity government, insisting that such an arrangement would never fulfill his political aspirations. He dismissed concerns over international isolation, arguing that global powers ultimately respect a strong and resolute Israel.
