Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister, has been gaining popularity with his law-and-order agenda, which may make him a pivotal player in the country's next government.
What happened
Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit Party is projected to win between 7 and 10 seats in the 120-member Knesset in Israel's upcoming election on October 27. This could make any future government led by Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party contingent on his support, potentially securing him senior ministerial portfolios.
Ben-Gvir's rise to prominence mirrors a broader trend across Europe and the West, where populist right-wing parties have been gaining ground on traditional conservative parties. His controversial style and law-and-order agenda have drawn both praise and criticism, with some viewing him as a strong leader who will crack down on crime and terrorism, while others see him as a divisive figure who has damaged Israel's diplomatic standing.
Ben-Gvir has been credited with tripling the number of personal firearms and firearms licenses issued to Israelis, establishing rapid-response teams, and overhauling the prison system. However, his past conviction for supporting a terrorist organization and inciting racism has raised concerns among some critics.
