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Itamar Ben-Gvir

Itamar Ben-Gvir is an Israeli lawyer and far-right politician who leads the Jewish Power (Otzma Yehudit) party.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Itamar Ben-Gvir is an Israeli lawyer and far-right politician who leads the Jewish Power (Otzma Yehudit) party. He has served as Israel’s minister of national security and is widely associated with hardline positions on policing, settlements, firearms, and Palestinian rights.

Early life and background

Ben-Gvir was born in Mevaseret Zion, Israel, on 6 May 1976. Public biographies describe him as an Israeli lawyer who later entered far-right political activism and electoral politics.

Political career

He rose to prominence as leader of Jewish Power and became a Knesset member. His party entered government in 2022 as part of Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.

Minister of national security

Ben-Gvir was appointed minister of national security in December 2022. Reporting says he pushed policies including relaxed gun restrictions and greater backing for armed civilian security groups. He returned to the post in March 2025 after a resignation in January 2025.

Controversies

Coverage from major international outlets describes Ben-Gvir as a controversial figure because of inflammatory rhetoric, hardline positions toward Palestinians, and a political background associated with Kahanist ideology. He has been described by major news outlets as a controversial and polarizing figure in Israeli politics.

Key facts

  • Ben-Gvir was born in Mevaseret Zion, Israel, in 1976.
  • He is an Israeli lawyer and politician who has led Jewish Power since 2019.
  • He became Israel’s minister of national security in late 2022 and returned to the post in March 2025 after a resignation in January 2025.
  • He has been linked to hardline nationalist and anti-Palestinian positions, and to the ideological legacy of Meir Kahane.
  • As minister, he backed looser rules for private gun ownership and promoted armed neighborhood watches in Israeli settlements.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter Ben-Gvir in coverage of Israel–Palestine, Canadian foreign policy, and debates over sanctions and human rights.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Itamar Ben-Gvir?
He is an Israeli lawyer and far-right politician who leads the Jewish Power party and has served as Israel’s minister of national security.
What party does he lead?
He leads Jewish Power, also known by its Hebrew name Otzma Yehudit.
What government post has he held?
He has served as Israel’s minister of national security, first from December 2022 and again from March 2025.
Why is he controversial?
He is widely reported as a hardline nationalist politician associated with inflammatory statements, anti-Palestinian views, and Kahanist ideology.
Where was he born?
He was born in Mevaseret Zion, Israel, on 6 May 1976.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Itamar-Ben-Gvir
    Supports: Birth date and place, occupation, party leadership, ministerial role, and policy actions as national security minister.
  2. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-63754806
    Supports: Coalition role, appointment as national security minister, and reporting on his controversial reputation.
  3. Associated Press — https://www.apnews.com/article/itamar-bengvir-resigns-gaza-ceasefire-netanyahu-d63bc4ac1e4f741cafa6fab4d932f891
    Supports: Resignation from Netanyahu’s cabinet in January 2025 and political impact.
  4. Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-ben-gvir-far-right-kingmaker-who-wants-hamas-eliminated-2024-08-15/
    Supports: Description as a hardline far-right political figure in a major coalition.