Ben-Gvir Event Disrupted by Protesters at Tel Aviv University

On October 18, 2026, protesting students significantly disrupted an event featuring Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir at Tel Aviv University, forcing him off stage[1][5][6]. The incident occurred nine days before Israel's general elections on October 27, 2026[8]. This confrontation highlights deep ideological divisions within Israeli society over hardline policies and the boundaries of freedom of expression[1][7]. Recent polls show increased support for Ben-Gvir's Jewish Power party, extending to younger, urban voters, making the event a key moment in the election cycle[16][17].

What the records show

As Minister Ben-Gvir took the stage at Tel Aviv University, activists began to chant "There will be no fascism here" and "Fascism will not pass" to prevent his speech[1][4]. Some protesters also shouted "Fascist, get out of here!" and several lay on the floor near the stage[4][5]. A smaller group of Ben-Gvir's supporters responded with chants of "Death to Arabs"[1]. The phrase "Death to Arabs" is an anti-Arab slogan used during protests and civil disturbances in Israel[1][12]. The disruption escalated into scuffles between protesters and security personnel, which led to Ben-Gvir's departure from the stage[5][6]. After the event, the activists released a statement claiming success in preventing the "convicted terror supporter" from speaking on their campus[2]. They stated, "People like this are not welcome at the university. He is not legitimate here or anywhere else," and called on voters to "kick him and the Kahanists out of the government" in the upcoming elections[2].

The timeline

Itamar Ben-Gvir has served as Israel's National Security Minister since 2022, with a two-month break in early 2025[10][11]. He leads the far-right Otzma Yehudit, or Jewish Power, party[10]. His political background is rooted in Kahanism, a movement described as racist and advocating for the expulsion of Palestinians[18]. Ben-Gvir has multiple convictions for incitement to racism and supporting a terrorist organization[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. The event on October 18, 2026, took place shortly before Israel's general elections on October 27, 2026[8].

What Ben-Gvir said publicly

During the protest, Ben-Gvir addressed the students, questioning their commitment to democracy. He stated mockingly, "I thought you were in favour of democracy. Democracy means letting the other side speak too"[1][4]. Ben-Gvir used the platform to reiterate his hardline stance on Gaza, stating his desire to "conquer all of Gaza" and insisting that Hamas must not remain in the territory[3][9]. He claimed Hamas made no distinction between left and right during the October 7, 2023, attack, seeking to kill Israelis "because we're Jews"[3]. He also called for support for his Otzma Yehudit party to form a stronger right-wing government[9]. Some observers consider his remarks incendiary, making it more difficult to defend Israel[13].

What we could not confirm

The precise number of protesters and counter-protesters involved in the disruption is not specified[1]. The exact duration Ben-Gvir remained on stage before being forced to leave is also not detailed[5].