Why so many Israelis still support Ben-Gvir - and what his actions expose - opinion

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's recent visit to flotilla detainees was not an accidental misstep but a calculated move, according to an opinion piece in The Jerusalem Post. The author argues that such actions, while energizing a segment of his base, play directly into narratives that cast Israel in a negative light internationally. This complicates efforts to explain the realities behind detentions and further damages Israel's global standing.

Beyond the optics, Ben-Gvir's intervention highlights systemic issues within Israeli governance. When a minister unilaterally reverses established cabinet policy, it erodes the principle of collective decision-making. This shift from steady policy implementation to personal, headline-grabbing actions seldom yields lasting security improvements. Instead, it consistently generates international criticism and diplomatic friction, a cycle that has repeated with other symbolic, tough-sounding efforts that ultimately leave the country more exposed.

The timing of this intervention was particularly problematic. Israeli diplomats were working to ease tensions and advance relationships with international partners. Ben-Gvir's actions immediately drew the spotlight back, making their diplomatic work significantly harder. The article stresses that consistency and patience are crucial for protecting Israel's interests abroad, and internal disruptions at critical moments undermine these efforts.

However, the piece cautions against focusing solely on these perceived flaws, pointing to a larger picture of support for Ben-Gvir's approach among over half a million Israelis. These supporters are described not as extremists but as average citizens. Their backing is seen as a response to a long history of events and failed policies, particularly the persistent threat of Palestinian terrorism over decades. This context, the author suggests, is essential for understanding the continued support for Ben-Gvir, even if one does not endorse every action he takes.