Israel Policy: Key Figures & Influence
- Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, prominent West Bank settlers, are key figures in Israel's right-wing government. Thier joint electoral success reflects growing support for far-right ideologies.
- Smotrich highlighted the Israeli army's offensive in Gaza, asserting it aligns wiht his hard-line approach.
- The rivalry between Smotrich and Ben-Gvir extends to policy decisions.
Bezalel smotrich adn Itamar Ben-Gvir, top figures in Israel’s far-right government, are reshaping the nation’s political landscape. Their differing strategies—including calls to reoccupy Gaza and encourage palestinian emigration—highlight a fierce rivalry that’s central to Israeli politics. This clash of ideologies, fueled by Smotrich’s hard-line actions and Ben-Gvir’s more extreme views, is at the heart of prime Minister Netanyahu’s complex coalition. News Directory 3 follows the escalating tensions amidst the Gaza conflict, plus the two leaders’ competition for dominance.Discover what’s next as Smotrich and Ben-Gvir’s moves impact the future of the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
Smotrich vs. Ben-Gvir: Far-Right Rivalry Shapes Israeli politics
Updated May 31, 2025
Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, prominent West Bank settlers, are key figures in Israel’s right-wing government. Thier joint electoral success reflects growing support for far-right ideologies. Both advocate for Israel to reoccupy Gaza, rebuild settlements, and encourage Palestinian emigration. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reliance on their coalition underscores their influence on the ongoing Gaza war.
Smotrich highlighted the Israeli army’s offensive in Gaza, asserting it aligns wiht his hard-line approach. In a video, he described the campaign as eliminating Hamas officials and pushing Gaza’s population toward emigration. However, this declaration also served as a defense against Ben-Gvir, whom he characterized as even more extreme.
The rivalry between Smotrich and Ben-Gvir extends to policy decisions. Smotrich supported Netanyahu’s plan to ease the blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, citing the need for international support. Ben-Gvir opposed this, allegedly leaking details of the debate to the media.this illustrates the competition between the two leaders to assert dominance within the far-right political landscape.
Smotrich “believes he has the correct philosophical understanding of history,” and thinks he’s “part of the revolutionary vanguard that is supposed to seize the reins of power.”
Yehudah Mirsky, a scholar of religious Zionism at Brandeis University, described Smotrich as a “Leninist,” driven by a rigid ideology rooted in the teachings of Rabbi Tzvi Yehudah Kook. Kook’s theology views Israel’s establishment and territorial gains as divine steps toward redemption,influencing Smotrich’s unwavering commitment to retaining control over the West Bank and other territories.
Smotrich’s early activism included opposition to Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005. He was arrested and interrogated on suspicion of endangering lives, but later released without charges. While Smotrich claims he only planned protest to block roads, a former shin Bet agent suggested the allegations were much more serious.
Despite this, Smotrich’s political career advanced, marked by controversial statements.He defended segregating Jewish and Arab mothers in hospitals and made disparaging remarks about Arabs and the LGBTQ+ community.He has also expressed a desire for Israel to be governed by Torah law.
What’s next
The dynamic between Smotrich and Ben-Gvir will likely continue to shape Israeli politics and influence the government’s approach to the conflict in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian issue. Their rivalry and competing ideologies will remain a key factor in Netanyahu’s coalition.