Ben-Gvir's Promises Evaluated: Mixed Results on Key Election Pledges
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
A review of Itamar Ben-Gvir's 2022 election promises shows mixed results, with successes in areas like the Temple Mount, settlement expansion, and police salaries, but failures in restoring personal security and providing free land. While some pledges saw significant progress, others, such as expanded immunity for security forces and free land distribution, were not fulfilled. The assessment highlights both achievements and shortcomings in key areas of Ben-Gvir's agenda.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Itamar Ben-Gvir's promises show mixed results, with successes and failures in key areas.
- Jewish prayer rights expanded at Temple Mount, but official prohibition remains.
- 104 settlements approved in Judea and Samaria, a significant coalition achievement.
- Promise of free land for soldiers and yeshiva students was not fulfilled.
- Personal security pledge unmet, with a rise in murder victims.
- Police salaries significantly increased, fulfilling a major promise.
A review of promises made by Itamar Ben-Gvir and his Otzma Yehudit party during the 2022 elections reveals a mixed record of fulfillment. The "Words Like Sand" index by Srugim assesses how public representatives acted and voted in the 25th Knesset, comparing their pledges to actual outcomes.
Significant changes were reported at the Temple Mount, where Ben-Gvir, as Minister of National Security, worked to expand Jewish prayer rights. While Jewish prayer is now openly practiced, the official prohibition has not been formally lifted. In Judea and Samaria, the government approved the establishment and regulation of 104 settlements, including the return to Homesh and Sa-Nur, a significant achievement for the coalition. The Negev and Galilee also saw progress, with Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf promoting economic development and settlement, though the full pledged budget was not met.
However, promises regarding free land for discharged soldiers, national service participants, and yeshiva students were not fulfilled, despite expanded land benefits for reservists and disabled IDF veterans. The strengthening of Jewish identity and heritage saw tangible results, with increased visitor numbers to heritage sites under Minister Amichai Eliyahu. Conversely, Ben-Gvir's central promise to restore personal security has not materialized, with a significant rise in murder victims.
Other areas show partial or mixed results. Police salaries saw a substantial increase, fulfilling a key pledge. The policy on civilian firearm permits was eased, and conditions for security prisoners were hardened. Legislation for the death penalty for terrorists was passed, but its practical application remains uncertain. The establishment of a National Guard force saw progress but not the full realization of the initial vision. Efforts against protection rackets led to a dedicated law and increased enforcement, though the phenomenon is not yet eradicated. Promises to change open-fire regulations and grant immunity to security forces were not fully implemented.
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