Israeli Cabinet Approves Ben-Gvir’s National Guard Plan
The Facts
On Sunday, Israel approved the formation of a national guard — proposed by controversial National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir — to deal with civil unrest in mixed Jewish-Arab areas. They refrained, however, from immediately giving Ben-Gvir direct command.
Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Jewish Power party, said the force would deal with "emergency scenarios, nationalistic crime, terror, and strengthening sovereignty."
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Considering the riots that swept Israel during the 2021 war with terrorists in Gaza, it makes sense that the government should create a new force to deal with similar situations in the future. However, Ben-Gvir might not be the right person to command such a force, as he is particularly controversial within the Israeli public and security apparatus. Though he is an integral part of Netanyahu's government, putting too much power in his hands may cause issues for Israel's security.
Pro-Palestine narrative
As Netanyahu continues to pander to Israel's far-right Jewish supremacists, Palestinians will ultimately suffer at the hands of Ben-Gvir's sectarian militia. Besides the fact that such a militia will only worsen the brutality of the occupation, it will also, quite ironically, negatively affect Israel's security. Ben-Gvir cannot be allowed to build his own state within a state.
