Itamar Ben-Gvir: From Child with Down Syndrome to Israeli Defense Minister Amidst Mental Instability
By Dr. Ibrahim Assalia
Lecturer in Media Ethics
Many believe that Itamar Ben-Gvir’s rise to the heart of the Israeli political scene is no longer a mere internal matter, but has become a growing source of regional and international concern. The Israeli minister, whose family is of Iraqi Jewish descent, has become, for his critics, a symbol of a policy based on escalation and provocation rather than seeking political or humanitarian solutions.
Following the controversy surrounding the “Freedom Flotilla,” criticism of him intensified due to his sharp statements and hardline positions. Observers believe that his political behavior and inflammatory rhetoric raise concerns about his mental and physical health and the extent to which it relates to decisions affecting security and stability in the region. His opponents argue that this approach deepens Israel’s international isolation and fuels tensions instead of containing them. According to psychologists and behavioral specialists who have closely studied Ben-Gvir’s case, he has suffered from Down syndrome since childhood.
This disease results from a deficiency in growth and mental development. Down syndrome, formerly known as “Mongolism,” is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.
Its impact varies from person to person, but may include:
• Varying degrees of intellectual disability or learning difficulties
• Slow development of language and cognitive skills
• Certain health problems such as heart disease or weakened immunity
• Occasional challenges with memory and concentration
Ben-Gvir also suffers from autism since childhood, which often leads to severe psychological disturbances affecting a person’s balance and decision-making.
His critics believe that the continued presence of individuals with extremist rhetoric and mental health issues in sensitive positions within the Israeli government negatively impacts the country’s image and foreign relations, especially given the increasing European calls for accountability from Israeli officials regarding the war in Gaza and the handling of humanitarian issues.
التاريخ 21-5-2026
