Will Ben-Gvir Ignite Fire in the Heart of Israel?

On March 23, 2025, Israel witnessed an unprecedented clash between National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar during a heated cabinet meeting. This confrontation wasn’t just a personal conflict but reflected deeper tensions between the far-right and Israeli security institutions striving to maintain their independence.

The confrontation escalated into a physical altercation, becoming emblematic of Israel’s internal political crisis amid stalled hostage negotiations with Hamas and increasing regional tensions, raising serious questions about the stability of the Israeli government.

Confrontation Details: Accusations to Physical Clashes

Ben-Gvir received reports from his advisers claiming Shin Bet, led by Ronen Bar, had been conducting a secret investigation against him and the Israeli police for months. According to Israel’s Channel 12, the investigation targeted “Jewish terrorist groups” infiltrating the police, specifically Kahanist extremists aligned with Ben-Gvir.

During the March 23 cabinet meeting, Ben-Gvir harshly attacked Bar, calling him a “criminal” and accusing him of attempting a “coup” against elected officials and undermining democracy. The verbal confrontation escalated into physical fighting, prompting intervention by the Mossad chief and IDF Chief of Staff.

Ben-Gvir’s response was severe, demanding Bar’s immediate dismissal and criminal charges for attempted coup allegations. He accused Bar of gathering damaging materials against Police Commissioner Dani Levy and persecuting right-wing activists.

Conversely, Shin Bet denied conducting any investigation against Ben-Gvir, as reported by Israel Army Radio. Netanyahu’s office released a statement on March 24, 2025, denying knowledge of any investigation, labeling the accusations a “blatant lie” aiming to destabilize the right-wing government and undermine democracy.

Personal and Political Context: Roots of the Conflict

Ben-Gvir, leader of the “Otzma Yehudit” party, represents the extremist Kahanist movement known for its racist stance against Palestinians. His past is marred by convictions related to supporting Jewish terrorism. Appointed National Security Minister under Netanyahu’s government, he resigned on January 19, 2025, protesting a ceasefire deal with Hamas, deeming it cowardly. He returned to the government on March 18, 2025, following the renewed war in Gaza, seen as critical for Netanyahu’s coalition stability.

Ronen Bar, on the other hand, symbolizes the security establishment striving to maintain institutional autonomy. Shin Bet, responsible for internal security, historically confronts Jewish extremists, particularly Kahanists associated with Ben-Gvir. A secret investigation, if genuine, represents Shin Bet’s attempt to curb far-right influence within state institutions, notably the police under Ben-Gvir’s control.

Netanyahu himself has faced tension with Shin Bet, having announced intentions to dismiss Bar on March 17, 2025, a move temporarily halted by Israel’s Supreme Court. Netanyahu requires Ben-Gvir’s support for coalition stability but fears Shin Bet’s potential revelations regarding his handling of the war, especially post-October 7, 2023 attack.

Motivations and Narratives

Ben-Gvir positions himself as a victim of a Shin Bet conspiracy, accusing Bar of threatening democracy. This narrative bolsters his stature among far-right supporters, though Ben-Gvir openly maintains extremist stances, making him a legitimate investigation target.

Shin Bet’s denial may be strategic to avoid escalation. If true, the investigation indicates Shin Bet’s effort to shield Israeli democracy from Kahanist extremism, despite facing criticism for intelligence failures regarding the October 7 attack, undermining its credibility.

Netanyahu attempts neutrality but acts in self-interest, needing Ben-Gvir to maintain his coalition. Simultaneously, he seeks to undermine Shin Bet, viewing it as a threat to his authority amid war failures. This precarious balance may backfire if the crisis escalates.

Broader Implications of the Conflict

The confrontation coincides with stalled Hamas hostage negotiations. Israeli negotiators left Doha on March 16, 2025, after failed discussions involving a full withdrawal and long-term ceasefire. Ben-Gvir’s hardline positions encourage Netanyahu to reject concessions, prolonging conflict. This internal clash highlights the far-right’s agenda overshadowing diplomatic resolutions.

Meanwhile, public protests against Netanyahu, initially sparked by judicial reforms in 2023, waned but could reignite amidst this Shin Bet crisis. Israeli society, split between war support and Netanyahu opposition, may increasingly perceive government efforts to undermine security institutions for extremist agendas, potentially fueling significant popular unrest.

Ben-Gvir’s March 18 government return intended to stabilize Netanyahu’s coalition, yet his aggressive stance toward Shin Bet indicates ambitions for broader control, exploiting wartime uncertainties to entrench far-right influence within police and government structures.

This internal battle intensifies public anxiety, exacerbating social polarization—especially between secular and religious Israelis—and undermining societal cohesion. Economically, the war’s staggering $200 billion cost through 2025 compounds pressures on citizens, risking intensified unrest if diplomatic solutions remain stalled.

International Reactions and Risks

Ben-Gvir’s rising influence alarms traditional Israeli allies, particularly in Europe, triggering increased calls for sanctions against extremists. The physical altercation and coup allegations broadcast internal instability, undermining Israel’s democratic image globally.

The U.S., despite steadfast support, may reconsider its position if Netanyahu mismanages the crisis, particularly under internal Democratic pressure to reduce military aid. UN reports from March 2025 highlighting Gaza’s humanitarian crisis could leverage this turmoil to heighten international scrutiny, strengthen BDS campaigns, and weaken Israel’s diplomatic standing.

Future of Governance: Who Rules Israel?

The Ben-Gvir vs. Shin Bet clash exposes Netanyahu’s fragile coalition. Ben-Gvir, essential yet volatile, forces Netanyahu into critical decisions: either back Ben-Gvir, escalating conflict with security institutions, or sacrifice him, risking government collapse.

Either scenario leaves Israel’s political future uncertain. Continued conflict may precipitate early elections, enhancing far-right influence at moderate parties’ expense, possibly leading to even more extremist governments.

Ultimately, the struggle questions Israel’s true governance. Will elected officials like Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir dominate, or can institutions like Shin Bet maintain systemic balance?

A Ben-Gvir victory risks transforming Israel into a Kahanist-dominated state, weakening traditional institutions. Conversely, if Shin Bet prevails, far-right momentum may temporarily subside but not resolve deeper identity crises.

Long-term, this crisis could reshape Israel politically, risking authoritarian shifts or internal collapse, diminishing Israel’s regional and international influence and threatening its stability and existence.