Israeli National Security Minister Ben Gvir accosted by pro-Palestinian protesters during first official visit to US

During a visit to Yale University on the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was accosted by pro-Palestine protesters, who shouted slogans and hurled water bottles at the far-right minister. 

Ben Gvir addressed an audience of approximately 100 Jewish students and professors at an event organized by the Jewish fraternity Shabtai.

Video footage released by Ben Gvir’s office showed a crowd of demonstrators chanting “Free Palestine,” “f*** you Ben Gvir,” and “Shame on you” as he emerged from the meeting hall where the event took place. 

The Israeli minister appeared nonplussed by the protesters, stepping out with a smile on his face and flashing a V for victory sign with his hand as the crowd of protesters shouted at him. 

Ben Gvir himself posted an image of the confrontation to his 𝕏 account, writing in Hebrew, “Against the pro-Palestinian protesters at Yale University who support the Nazis in Gaza – we will win. The people of Israel live!” 

מול המפגינים הפרו פלסטינים באוניברסיטת ייל שתומכים בנאצים בעזה - אנחנו ננצח. עם ישראל חי!🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/0f3MxjCw0P

— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) April 24, 2025

Ben Gvir’s speech came just hours after Yale revoked its recognition of the anti-Israel student group Yalies4Palestine, following the group’s relaunch of an encampment on campus Tuesday night in protest of his visit.

Several Shabtai members voiced opposition to Ben Gvir’s invitation, with at least two resigning from the group in protest. They cited his history of inflammatory behavior, including extremist rhetoric and past convictions, among them, providing support to the Kach terrorist organization linked to Rabbi Meir Kahane.

However, Mitchell Dubin, a member of Shabtai, stated that hosting Ben Gvir should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the minister or his views.

“Shabtai does not seek to legitimize or delegitimize world leaders. Instead, it provides a space where ideas are interrogated with rigor, policies are challenged with integrity, and civil discourse is preserved even under strain,” Dubin wrote in a statement. 

Ben Gvir’s trip to the United States marked his first official visit as an Israeli government minister. During the Biden administration, both he and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich came close to being sanctioned by the White House, which reportedly advised U.S. officials to steer clear of meetings with either figure.

The minister began his trip in Florida, visited Bal Harbour Village, near Miami, and met with area residents. Ben Gvir also visited Everglades Correctional Institute, meeting Jewish inmates and observing the prison’s rehabilitation programs. His office said the visit was pertinent to his role as the minister who oversees the Israel Police and prison services. 

Ben Gvir also visited a Jewish-owned gun shop, along with Yishai Fleisher, an Israeli media personality, who is accompanying the minister during his U.S. visit. 

With Israel's Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir in a Jewish-owned gun store in the Miami area.
Israel has what to learn from the USA's 2nd Amendment thinking. pic.twitter.com/j1UIImKWDe

— Yishai Fleisher يشاي ישי פליישר 🕎 (@YishaiFleisher) April 21, 2025

Ben Gvir sparked controversy in Israel by loosening regulations for Israeli civilians to acquire a handgun license in response to rising violence and terror attacks before the Gaza War. 

While in Florida, Ben Gvir visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, where he spoke to a group of Republican Party members. 

🚨 Six months ago, he was persona non grata in America, on the verge of personal sanctions. This is how Israeli Homeland Security Minister Ben Gvir is being received tonight at Trump's Mar-A-Lago in Florida pic.twitter.com/F41YccsmAB

— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) April 23, 2025

Ben Gvir will next head to New York City, where he is expected to address another gathering of the Shabtai fraternity, before heading to Washington, D.C.