Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir made headlines this week during his trip to New York City, presenting himself as a changed man while defending a hardline vision for Gaza — inspired by former President Donald Trump’s plan. His visit, filled with controversy and protest, became a flashpoint in the broader debate over Israel’s current leadership, the Gaza war, and the limits of free speech in political forums.
A Firebrand Minister, Rebranded?
Ben-Gvir, once a disciple of extremist Rabbi Meir Kahane, attempted to distance himself from his incendiary past while speaking at the Wall Street Grill in Manhattan’s Financial District.
“When I was young, I thought we’d have to expel all of the Arabs. Now, I think the reality is more complex,” he told an audience that included both supporters and vocal critics. “I’ve done many things that always began from, and came to, one thing: love of Israel.”
The 48-year-old minister, once convicted of inciting racism, now claims evolution. But critics remain unconvinced — especially as he continues to push policies such as increasing arms for Israeli civilians, toughening prison conditions for Palestinian detainees, and promoting Jewish prayer on the volatile Temple Mount.
Promoting Trump’s Vision for Gaza
Ben-Gvir’s headline message: he wants the U.S. to adopt Trump’s Gaza Plan — which he interprets as depopulating the Palestinian enclave and potentially handing administrative control over to the U.S. “I want more and more and more activism,” he declared. “I want a more forceful war.”
He went so far as to defend previous comments advocating bombing Gaza food warehouses and cutting off power — ideas swiftly denounced by the U.S. State Department as contradictory to American policy.
Fierce Opposition and Street-Level Protests
Despite tight security and secrecy around his NYC appearance, protesters still found him. Demonstrators from UnXeptable, a U.S.-based Israeli anti-Netanyahu group, lined the streets outside his event. Among them were prominent New York Jewish leaders including Rep. Jerry Nadler, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, and rabbis representing liberal and reform Jewish values.
“He is committing human rights violations, and it’s completely inconsistent with the values of both a democratic Israel and New York City,” said Lander. Protesters waved signs branding him a fascist and chanted “Shame!” and “Criminal!” in Hebrew.
Divisive Even in the Room
The atmosphere inside the Wall Street Grill was no less contentious. One former Israeli pilot, Guy Benjamin, confronted Ben-Gvir directly: “I left Israel because of people like you.” A supporter immediately fired back, “Knock it off, you’re insulting him!”
Even Nava Greenfield, who introduced Ben-Gvir on behalf of the hosting group Shabtai, admitted, “Not a single position spoke to me, and many truly upset me.”
Still, a Loyal Following
Ben-Gvir’s support base remained steadfast. Attendee Phillip Jacobs stated, “He could use a filter, but 90% of what he says is correct.” Despite Benjamin’s criticisms, Ben-Gvir addressed him with hope rather than anger: “I want to cause your kids and you to come back to Israel. You don’t have to love me.”
Conclusion: A Defiant Diplomatic Tour
Ben-Gvir’s U.S. visit was less about winning over critics and more about amplifying his message — a message that resonates with Israel’s far-right and unsettles many American Jews. While he claimed to have matured, his promotion of forceful tactics and refusal to compromise on hostages or humanitarian aid continue to ignite fierce debate.
Whether his pitch to “implement the Trump plan” will find traction in policy circles remains uncertain. But one thing is clear — Itamar Ben-Gvir has no intention of fading quietly from the global stage.
