Itamar Ben-Gvir rejoined Netanyahu's cabinet in Israel
Itamar Ben-Gvir has made a return to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet just two months after resigning. His departure was linked to a ceasefire deal in Gaza which he opposed. As a far-right politician, Ben-Gvir is known for advocating a tough military stance in Gaza. Recently, new airstrikes began, marking the end of a brief calm following stalled ceasefire talks. Ben-Gvir, who is 48 years old, leads the Jewish Power party and supports expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank. He comes from a Mizrahi Jewish family, with roots in Iraqi Kurdistan. His political career includes involvement with far-right movements and actions that have made headlines for their controversy. While in office, Ben-Gvir has openly criticized the Israeli army's tactics in the Gaza conflict. He does not support negotiations with Hamas and has threatened to undermine the government if any ceasefire terms do not meet his demands for eliminating Hamas completely. His criticisms of the ceasefire deal in January 2025 included concerns about the release of Palestinian prisoners and the potential retention of Hamas' control in Gaza. He believed such conditions would threaten Israel's security and achievements. Ben-Gvir has sparked international outrage with his provocative actions and statements. Notably, he has visited sensitive religious sites, such as the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, where he expressed controversial views. His past is marked by legal issues, having been convicted multiple times for offenses related to racism and support for a terrorist organization. Although he has softened some of his rhetoric regarding Palestinians, Ben-Gvir continues to advocate for expelling individuals he labels as "traitors or terrorists." His history and current views keep him at the center of heated political debates in Israel.