Ben Gvir hosts, praises right-wing agitator who disrupts anti-government protests
Mordechai David, a convicted felon who rallies activists to ‘annoy’ demonstrators, is warmly welcomed at office of far-right minister, who hails actions as ‘a democratic mission’
Jeremy Sharon is The Times of Israel’s legal affairs and settlements reporter
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir hosted a right-wing agitator and convicted felon on Monday in his Knesset office, and praised his activities which include going to anti-government protests to argue with the demonstrators.
Ben Gvir greeted Mordechai David warmly in his office and the two exchanged words of mutual praise and admiration, embracing each other and standing arm in arm.
“Well done to you for protesting, and shouting, and demonstrating, it’s excellent, it’s democracy, it’s a democratic mission, it’s very good,” Ben Gvir told David in one of four videos that the latter uploaded to his TikTok account, which boasts 72,000 followers and millions of views.
In another video, Ben Gvir talked about the large number of firearm licenses approved by his ministry for civilians during his time in office, and the harsher conditions he has imposed on Palestinian security prisoners in Israeli jails.
“He has our backs and we have his back, we all support him,” said David in another video.
David, a resident of Bnei Brak, was indicted on charges of arson and criminal conspiracy for his role in riots in the city in 2021 during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the social restrictions imposed by the government.
@mordehai_david1
He was, however, only convicted of attempted arson after signing a plea bargain with the prosecutors.
David has established an organization called “Brothers for Justice,” in which he organizes right-wing activists, many of whom appear to be minors, to demonstrate against anti-government protesters.
Activists from this group routinely turn up at anti-government protests and demonstrations calling for the release of Israeli hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza in order to harass and heckle them.
The activists, including David, also repeatedly argue with the police at such demonstrations, urging them to take tougher action against anti-government protesters.
In one video posted on Sunday, David said: “A group of Ben Gvirists have come here to expose the hypocrisy of the leftists and annoy them. The era of leftists is over… Only Bibi,” he said, voicing support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
