Far-Right Ministers' Influence in Israeli Politics

Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have been central figures in Israel's hardline policies, including the genocidal war on Gaza and the promotion of illegal settlements in the West Bank. Both ministers have faced international sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, due to their roles in advancing policies that include the annexation of Palestinian territories and the ethnic cleansing of Gaza. Analysts suggest that the influence of Smotrich and Ben-Gvir extends beyond their individual roles, as their policies have transformed Israeli institutions. Their policies have contributed to a deepening of apartheid and a normalization of racism within (1). [1]

Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have been sanctioned by a wave of Western countries. Ireland and the Netherlands imposed travel bans on the two ministers, while other countries froze their assets. Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin said these measures were taken due to their shared “desire to see the elimination of Palestinians from Palestine” (1). [1]

Both have been enthusiastic proponents of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, repeatedly threatening to withdraw their support from the government when it appeared Netanyahu might falter in the face of international pressure about the huge number of civilians killed, famine, and withholding of aid. In September 2025, Ben-Gvir threatened to bring down the government if Hamas remained in existence following the release of the captives under United States President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza plan. Both ministers have repeatedly called for the annexation, settlement and ethnic cleansing of Gaza (1). [1]

Smotrich has encouraged the expansion of illegal settlements within the West Bank and, in the eyes of his opponents, bears culpability for the explosion of settler violence and pogroms across the occupied territory. In June 2025, Smotrich and Ben-Gvir were sanctioned by a wave of Western countries. Ireland and the Netherlands imposed travel bans on the two ministers, while other countries froze their assets (1). [1]

In June 2025, Western countries imposed sanctions on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, including travel bans and asset freezes. Ireland and the Netherlands led these measures, with Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin stating they were taken due to the ministers' shared 'desire to see the elimination of Palestinians from Palestine.' Both ministers have been enthusiastic proponents of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza and have threatened to withdraw their support from the government if international pressure on Netanyahu increased (source ID 1). [1]

Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have been central figures in Israel's hardline policies, including the promotion of illegal settlements in the West Bank. Smotrich has encouraged the expansion of illegal settlements within the West Bank and, in the eyes of his opponents, bears culpability for the explosion of settler violence and pogroms across the occupied territory. Both ministers have repeatedly called for the annexation, settlement, and ethnic cleansing of Gaza (source ID 1). [1]

Analysts have noted that while Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have been the focus of international criticism, they should not be treated as a homogeneous entity or isolated from Israeli policy in general. Arie Perliger, of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, pointed out that Ben-Gvir’s power is populist and performative, while Smotrich’s achievements were bureaucratic rather than rhetorical. This distinction suggests that their removal from government would affect them in opposite ways (source ID 1). [1]

In June 2025, Western countries imposed sanctions on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, including travel bans and asset freezes (1). These measures were taken due to their shared 'desire to see the elimination of Palestinians from Palestine,' as stated by Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin (1). Both ministers have been central figures in Israel's hardline policies, including the promotion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and the genocidal war on Gaza (1). [1]

Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have been enthusiastic proponents of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, repeatedly threatening to withdraw their support from the government when it appeared Netanyahu might falter in the face of international pressure about the huge number of civilians killed, famine, and withholding of aid (1). Smotrich has encouraged the expansion of illegal settlements within the West Bank and, in the eyes of his opponents, bears culpability for the explosion of settler violence and pogroms across the occupied territory (1). [1]

Both ministers have repeatedly called for the annexation, settlement and ethnic cleansing of Gaza (1). They have also transformed their ministries to reflect their hardline ideological projects (1). Analysts have noted that while Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have been the focus of international criticism, they should not be treated as a homogeneous entity or isolated from Israeli policy in general (1). [1]

Sources

Al Jazeera (All)

Prepared with AI assistance from the cited sources.