Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir recently made a trip to the United States, where he interacted with Jewish groups, law enforcement, and political figures, all while facing protests. Interestingly, it seems that the protests didn’t faze him much; he’s known for his right-wing activism.
In an interview, Ben Gvir recounted his experiences during the visit, which included stops at Mar-A-Lago, Yale, and New York. He mentioned feeling a shift in U.S.-Israel relations since Donald Trump returned to the presidency, stating, “Under Biden’s administration, I was considered a Persona Non Grata. Under Trump, I was welcomed and able to speak at Mar-A-Lago.” He went on to emphasize the importance of U.S. presidential support during conflicts.
Also noteworthy was his interactions with several Republican representatives, such as Jim Jordan and Claudia Tenney. They discussed common security goals for both nations. U.S. Army veteran Rep. Brian Mast, who also served in the IDF, contributed his insights on security matters.
During his visit, Ben Gvir was struck by America’s gun culture. He’s a proponent of broader access to firearms in Israel and visited shooting ranges and gun shops in the U.S., calling the experience “attractive.” He expressed surprise at the variety of weapons available, saying, “We haven’t reached that level,” and acknowledged criticism regarding arming militias back home. According to him, the firearms he distributed in Israel “saved many lives.”
He believes that learning from America’s approach to gun policy is essential, mentioning that while he might not replicate the U.S. model exactly, he strongly supports increasing access for citizens to protect themselves. Since the attacks on October 7, there’s been a notable change in Israel’s gun culture, which was previously quite restrictive.
Ben Gvir implemented reforms to streamline firearm permit applications before and after the October attack, further widening eligibility to include those with no criminal records or mental health concerns. He asserted, “We need to arm as many citizens as possible. It gives people a sense of security.” This focus on increasing military presence and arming civilians in sensitive areas reflects a shift in response to recent events, as he noted, “Since October 7th, I have proven right.”
Overall, while his visit drew mixed reactions, Ben Gvir seems determined to advocate for an expanded gun culture in Israel, believing it essential for national safety.
