Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's national security minister and leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, has articulated his strategy for pushing the Israeli government further to the right. In an exclusive interview with TIME, Ben-Gvir detailed his ambitions and his approach to influencing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration.
Ben-Gvir, known for his ultra-nationalist stance, expressed his intent to leverage his political position to shape policy and national discourse. His party, Otzma Yehudit, represents a segment of the Israeli electorate advocating for more hardline policies, particularly concerning security and settlement issues.
The interview took place against the backdrop of ongoing political realignments and security concerns impacting Israel. Ben-Gvir's statements suggest a deliberate effort to consolidate and expand the influence of right-wing and far-right factions within the broader political landscape. His stated goals indicate a desire to see a more assertive national agenda implemented across various government portfolios.
The national security minister's plans suggest a move to solidify his party's position and that of like-minded groups within the governing coalition. The specific policy areas he aims to influence, and the methods he intends to employ, underscore a broader strategy to shift the government's ideological center of gravity.