The Israeli Cabinet has approved the establishment of an Israeli National Guard, which will come under the National Security Ministry.
The National Guard is the brainchild of Minister for National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, a right-wing politician known for pushing Jewish supremacy and anti-Arab racism within Israel’s Religious Zionist Party.
A statement from the Cabinet Office said the responsibilities of — and control over — the National Guard would be discussed by a professional committee composed of all Israeli Security Agencies, the National Security Council and relevant Government Ministries.
“The committee will submit its recommendations to the Cabinet within 90 days,” the Office said, adding that the National Guard would deal with national emergency situations and would be subordinate to the Israeli Police.
However, critics of Mr Ben-Gvir (pictured), such as former Police Chief, Moshe Karadi, worry that the National Guard, if under the Minister’s direct control, would act as his personal militia and could be used to instigate a coup.
The critics point to Mr Ben-Gvir’s track record.
He has endorsed increasing Israeli settlements in the West Bank and sparked anger in January after making a controversial visit to the Temple Mount/al-Aqsa Mosque complex in Jerusalem, a site sacred to both Jews and Muslims.
Mr Ben-Gvir has also been convicted multiple times for incitement and supporting a Jewish terrorist group.
Jerusalem, 2 April 2023
