Benjamin Netanyahu once excluded Itamar Ben Gvir from his government, but now the Kahanist activist seeks a key defense role.
Netanyahu's past decision
In 2021, Benjamin Netanyahu, then Israel’s prime minister, refused to include Itamar Ben Gvir in his government, citing concerns over Ben Gvir’s far-right views and potential legal issues.Ben Gvir's political rise
Itamar Ben Gvir, a former radical Kahanist activist, has since gained significant political influence, becoming a prominent figure in Israel’s right-wing political landscape.Defense ministry bid
Ben Gvir is now seeking the position of defense minister, a move that signals his growing power and the shifting dynamics within Israel’s political spectrum.Political implications
His candidacy for defense minister has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a sign of the far right’s increasing influence in Israeli politics, while others see it as a necessary step for national security.
