We need to talk about Itamar Ben-Gvir
Here's a question for you. How can a state seriously claim to be a democracy when it has a self-confessed fascist and former terrorist in charge of National Security?
Sounds ridiculous? Well let me introduce you to the POS that is Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The UK’s complicity in Israel’s crimes, from arms sales to diplomatic cover, has always been indefensible, but the presence of Itamar Ben-Gvir in government makes it morally obscene. This is a man whose politics would get him barred from entering the UK if he were Palestinian or Muslim. Yet our government continues to treat Israel as a “strategic ally,” arming a regime where open fascists like Ben-Gvir are not only tolerated but empowered. If Britain has even a shred of integrity left, Ben-Gvir should be the line in the sand, the walking, shouting, gun-toting red flag that ends all military aid, trade deals, and diplomatic whitewashing. Maintaining 'business as usual' with a government that includes this racist thug makes us complicit in what human rights groups have rightly called apartheid, and what increasingly looks like genocide.
Ben-Gvir is a thug in a suit. He is in the Israeli Coalition Government and is the leader of a political party called Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power). As such he is far from a fringe outlier or a rogue actor. He is the logical culmination of decades of impunity, occupation, and racism in Israeli politics.
As Minister of National Security, Ben-Gvir is now in charge of the police and internal security forces. It’s the political equivalent of appointing an arsonist to run the fire brigade. Under his watch, settler violence has escalated dramatically. I n February 2023, Jewish settlers rampaged through the Palestinian town of Huwara, torching homes and cars in what can only be described as a pogrom. Instead of condemning the violence, Ben-Gvir offered political cover, saying the settlers were acting in 'self-defence'. It's funny isn't it? This draws parallels with shouty little twats like Levy, Regev and Hotovely who, always unchallenged by the British Media, always claim self-defence when Israel commits atrocities. If that doesn't send shivers down your spine then nothing will.
He repeatedly incited violence in flashpoint areas like Sheikh Jarrah and the Al-Aqsa compound, showing up with armed security to flex power and provoke. This isn’t law enforcement, it’s theatrical fascism, and it plays very well with his base.
Ben-Gvir’s agenda is no mystery. He's not hiding it. He has publicly called for the expulsion of 'disloyal' Arabs, including Palestinian Israeli citizens. He has sought immunity for security forces, pushed anti-Palestinian policies, and weaponised 'security' to justify collective punishment, home demolitions, and apartheid.
In any other democracy, Ben-Gvir would be an extremist on a no-fly list. In Israel, he’s a minister. You don’t have to be Palestinian to be horrified by Ben-Gvir. You just have to believe that racism, state violence, and authoritarianism are bad, no matter who does it, or to whom. And enough of this anti-Semitism bullshit. To dislike what Ben-Gvir does is not to dislike him because he's Jewish, it's to dislike him because he's a criminal out of control cunt. Yet Western governments continue to treat Israel as a 'democracy' and Ben-Gvir as just another cabinet minister. That’s more a disgrace. This isn’t about 'both sides'. This is about a man who has normalised fascism, glorified terror, and hijacked the machinery of the state to persecute millions under occupation. He is not the fringe: he is the face of Israel’s new normal. And if the world doesn’t wake up, that face might start looking familiar in a lot of other places too.
So here's a little summary of what this fascist twat has been up to, Ben-Gvir has his paws over a whole theme-park of racsim, provocation and division:
1. Provocative Visits to Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
As Israel's National Security Minister, Ben-Gvir has made multiple visits to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a site sacred to both Muslims and Jews. These visits have been widely viewed as provocations, especially given the site's sensitive status and the existing agreements that restrict non-Muslim prayer there. His actions have been condemned by various international actors, including the United States, European Union, and neighboring Arab countries, for escalating tensions in the region. The Guardian+3The Guardian+3Al Jazeera+3Al Jazeera The Times of Israel
2. Involvement in the Huwara Rampage
In February 2023, following the killing of two Israeli settlers, hundreds of Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian town of Huwara, setting fire to homes, businesses, and vehicles. His rhetoric and policies have been criticised for emboldening such actions. His calls for harsher measures against Palestinians and support for settler activities have been seen as contributing factors to the escalation of violence in the West Bank. Wikipedia
3. Displaying a Portrait of Baruch Goldstein
Ben-Gvir has previously displayed a portrait of Baruch Goldstein in his home. Goldstein was responsible for the 1994 massacre of 29 Palestinian worshippers in Hebron. Although Ben-Gvir later removed the portrait, his admiration for Goldstein has been a point of contention and has raised concerns about his ideological leanings. Goldstein was an ethno-fascist. Having his picture up in your house if you are an Israeli is like having a picture of Hitler in your living room if you are German The New Arab
4. Brandishing a Weapon in Sheikh Jarrah
In October 2022, during tensions in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem, Ben-Gvir was seen brandishing a firearm and urging police to shoot Palestinian protesters. He reportedly declared, "We're the landlords here, remember that, I am your landlord," exacerbating tensions in the already volatile area. Wikipedia
5. Participation in the Jerusalem Flag March
This month, Ben-Gvir participated in the annual Jerusalem Flag March, which saw thousands of Israeli ultra-nationalists marching through Muslim neighbourhoods, chanting slogans like "Death to Arabs" and "May your village burn." Sort of like an Orange Day Parade in Catholic areas of Belfast... but with guns. His presence at the event was seen as endorsing and legitimising the inflammatory rhetoric and actions of the marchers. The Guardian+2AP News+2reuters.com+2
Ben-Gvir is known for being a provocateur. He famously threatened Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin on live television in 1995 shortly before his assassination
These instances highlight actions and statements by Itamar Ben-Gvir that have been widely criticised for exacerbating tensions and promoting divisive ideologies.
Ben-Gvir's position on Gaza is absolutely indefinsible. He has has articulated a series of hardline positions regarding Gaza, characterised by calls for intensified military action, opposition to humanitarian aid, and advocacy for the resettlement of the territory by Israelis.
In response to ceasefire proposals, Ben-Gvir urged the Israeli government to employ 'full force' to dismantle Hamas, expressing dissatisfaction with what he perceives as governmental hesitancy. He has also questioned the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) practice of arresting Hamas operatives, reportedly asking, "Can't you kill some?" during a cabinet meeting. The Times+1The Times+1The Times of Israel
Add to this he has consistently opposed the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza, asserting that no concessions should be made to the territory, even for its civilian population. He has also criticised decisions to increase aid deliveries, labelling them as detrimental. The Guardian+2Al Mayadeen English+2The Guardian+2
Ben-Gvir is one of the key proponents in Israel who have expressed a desire for Israel to reassert full control over Gaza, suggesting that the territory should be repopulated with Jewish settlements. He has indicated personal willingness to reside in Gaza post-conflict. Furthermore, he has advocated for the 'voluntary migration' of Palestinians from Gaza, framing it as a historic opportunity to reclaim the area. Middle East EyeThe Times of IsraelMiddle East Monitor
Of course Ben-Gvir's statements and policies have drawn international condemnation. The U.S. State Department has labelled his calls for the resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza as 'inflammatory and irresponsible'. The Times of Israel+1Axios+1
These positions underscore Ben-Gvir's hardline stance on Gaza, reflecting a broader shift in Israeli policy under his influence.
As of now, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has not issued an arrest warrant for Ben-Gvir. But it's in the post. Reports indicate that ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan was preparing to request arrest warrants for Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich over their roles in promoting the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank before Khan was placed on administrative leave due to an internal misconduct investigation .Al Mayadeen English+11The New Arab+11Royanews+11
The ICC's investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, has been ongoing since 2014. The court's jurisdiction in this matter stems from the Palestinian Authority's acceptance of the ICC's jurisdiction . While Israel is not a member of the ICC and disputes the court's jurisdiction, the ICC maintains that it has the authority to investigate and prosecute individuals for crimes committed in the Palestinian territories.Le Monde.fr+3The New Arab+3WSJ+3
The potential charges against Ben-Gvir relate to his advocacy for settlement expansion, which the ICC considers a possible war crime under the Rome Statute. The decision on whether to proceed with the arrest warrants now lies with Khan's deputies, and it remains uncertain how they will move forward in his absence.WSJ+1The New Arab+1
Ben-Gvir has dismissed the reports of the potential ICC arrest warrant, stating that such actions will not deter him from continuing his political agenda. He has vowed to press ahead with the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, despite international criticism and the threat of legal action .Ammon News+1The New Arab+1
If you're wondering why our Government continues to defend fuckers like Ben-Gvir, that frustration is entirely valid, especially given how extreme and openly racist Itamar Ben-Gvir’s politics are. To clarify, the UK Labour Party doesn't explicitly defend Ben-Gvir as an individual. But what it does, along with most mainstream UK political parties, is continue to support diplomatic, military, and trade ties with Israel despite Ben-Gvir’s senior role in government. That’s where the hypocrisy lies. The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, for instance, has emphasised his commitment to Zionism and has stated that Israel has the 'right to defend itself', even during periods of extreme violence against Palestinians, including during the current Genocide in Gaza, when Ben-Gvir and others escalated brutal policies. This position, while not a direct endorsement of Ben-Gvir, helps normalise a government that includes him. Labour figures often avoid naming or criticising Israeli officials like Ben-Gvir, even when they spout genocidal rhetoric or incite settler violence. It’s political cowardice wrapped in the language of diplomacy.
The Labour Party’s silence on Itamar Ben-Gvir is not neutrality, it’s complicity. While Ben-Gvir roams Gaza calling for the forced displacement of Palestinians and poses for photo-ops with settlers torching the West Bank, Keir Starmer continues to parrot the pro Israeli mantra offering political cover to a government where fascism is not on the fringe, but in the cabinet. Labour’s refusal to even name Ben-Gvir, let alone condemn him, is a moral failure of historic proportions. They’ve swapped solidarity for silence, afraid of offending donors or being labelled antisemitic, even if that means tacitly endorsing a regime where open racists call the shots. If Labour can’t draw the line at Ben-Gvir, what does it even stand for?
Labour doesn’t “defend” Ben-Gvir as an individual, but it certainly enables him by refusing to call him what he is, and by continuing to treat Israel’s government as a normal democratic actor while he holds power.
Support for Israel might have been politically appropriate in the chaotic aftermath of October 7th, but we are long past any pretence of self-defence. What Israel is doing now: levelling entire neighbourhoods, starving a population under siege, and blocking aid convoys while ministers openly fantasise about 'voluntary' ethnic cleansing, has absoutely fuck all to do with hostages or Hamas. It is collective punishment on an industrial scale. And yet Western governments, media outlets, and political parties still parrot the same tired lines about Israel’s 'right to defend itself' as if bombing refugee camps and turning hospitals into morgues is just standard counterterrorism measures. This isn’t self-defence, it’s a sustained campaign of annihilation, and anyone still offering blanket support is not a bystander. They are an accomplice.
If you're still clinging to the delusion that Israel remains a functioning democracy, then the elevation of Itamar Ben-Gvir should shatter that fantasy. When a man who idolised a mass murderer, incites racial violence, and calls for ethnic cleansing is handed control of the police and security apparatus, the mask is off. This isn’t the 'only democracy in the Middle East', it’s a state where fascism now wears a minister’s badge. And if you can still defend that, you're not defending democracy, you're defending well-funded apartheid with a PR team.
The world has gone mad. If you enjoyed reading this, please feel free to look at the rest of the blogs on www.TetleysTLDR.com. They're free to view, there's no paywall, they aren't monetised and I won't ask you to buy me a coffee. Also please free to share anything you find of interest, we only get the message out if people are aware of it. Just a leftie, standing in front of another leftie, asking to be read. All the best, Tetley
