Israel's Extremist Ben-Gvir Faces Protests And Criticism During U.S. Visit
Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir concluded his first official US visit on Tuesday, met with vocal opposition from pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
Inside the US Capitol, protesters chanted “Free Palestine,” “War Criminal!” and “Shame on you!” directly at Ben-Gvir, according to widely circulated social media videos.
The demonstrations occurred as Ben-Gvir visited to meet with US Congress members, though he did not specify meetings with US administration officials.
“War Criminal!” shouted the protesters, as Ben-Gvir, surrounded by security, screamed back and pushed toward them before entering a congressional office.
The protests were part of a broader wave of opposition Ben-Gvir faced during his trip, which began last week — his first since joining Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in 2022 and since President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January.
Videos showed pro-Palestinian chants at multiple locations, including a Manhattan speaking event, and criticism from supporters of Israeli hostages’ families at a Florida airport.
Controversial Claims and US Response
Ben-Gvir, known for his hardline anti-Palestinian rhetoric, posted on X that he held “important meetings with senior Congress members who expressed their full support for Israel.”
However, he sparked controversy by claiming on Wednesday that US Republicans supported his call for bombing food and aid stores in Gaza, where over 52,300 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed since October 2023.
The US State Department swiftly rejected this claim on Thursday, stating that Ben-Gvir’s remarks are a “complete contradiction” to US policy.
Jerusalem Fund Closure Order
Back in Israel, Ben-Gvir issued an order on Monday to close the Jerusalem Fund and Endowment offices in East Jerusalem, prompting condemnation from the Jerusalem Governorate.
The Governorate described the move as part of a “systematic campaign” to undermine Palestinian civil society and economic empowerment in the occupied city.
Ben-Gvir — well-known for his extremist and racist positions — has once again committed a political crime, the Governorate stated, warning that the closure reflects an escalating policy to “strangle Palestinian life in Jerusalem.”
Broader Context of Controversy
Ben-Gvir, alongside Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, ranks among the most extreme figures in Netanyahu’s government.
Both have faced international criticism for encouraging settler violence in the occupied West Bank, where attacks on Palestinians have surged since Israel’s genocide on Gaza began in October 2023.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes in Gaza, while Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
Ben-Gvir’s US visit and actions in Jerusalem highlight the polarizing nature of his policies, drawing sharp criticism from activists and officials alike.