A Jewish supremacist known for his role in the violent settler movement, Netanyahu’s national security minister reportedly plans to meet with Kristi Noem, and more.
By Connor Echols, Responsible Statecraft
Few American politicians can claim to back Israel more emphatically than Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.).
Since the Oct. 7 attacks, Torres has dedicated himself to defending Israel and striking out against those who criticize its war in Gaza, earning him the moniker of “Israel’s loudest House supporter.” These efforts have garnered high praise from Israeli leadership. “Congressman Torres reflects our extraordinary ties and true friendship,” Israel’s defense minister said last year after meeting with the lawmaker.
So it may seem odd that, when Torres heard Israel’s national security minister was visiting Washington this week, he went on the attack. “There is no universe in which I would ever grant an audience to an extremist like [Itamar] Ben Gvir,” Torres tweeted, adding that he has “nothing but contempt” for the Israeli minister.
As Torres’ comments suggest, Ben Gvir is no ordinary Israeli official. The far-right minister has become a symbol of his country’s most aggressive political currents — a reputation that he earned through decades of activism in support of Jewish Israelis accused of attacks on Palestinian civilians. This, combined with his calls for annexation of Palestinian land and his backing of violent settler groups in the West Bank, led the Biden administration to boycott Ben Gvir and even consider slapping sanctions on him despite his prominent role in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet.
Luckily for Ben Gvir, there’s a new leader in Washington. President Donald Trump, far from boycotting the Israeli minister, is reportedly ready to roll out the red carpet for him. This week, Ben Gvir will fly to the United States for his first ever official visit abroad, according to reports in Israeli media. The trip will include stops in Florida and Washington, DC, where he’s slated to meet with U.S. officials, conservative influencers, and Jewish community leaders.
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