How Ben-Gvir became conservatives' evil genius
Source: lemonde.fr
- Itamar Ben-Gvir rose from fringe extremism to a kingmaker in Israel's 2022 election by moderating his image while pushing hard-right views.
- His Otzma Yehudit party won six seats, giving conservatives a combined 64 seats for a likely government majority.
- Ben-Gvir's influence could push Israel's policies toward settler expansion and tougher Palestinian measures, alarming international observers.
The article profiles Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right Israeli politician who evolved from a racist youth activist into a pivotal figure for conservatives in the November 2022 election. It details his strategic image overhaul, key alliances, and inflammatory rhetoric on security and Palestinians. His success matters because it positions him for major government roles, potentially shifting Israel toward more aggressive nationalism amid fragile coalitions.