Mar-a-Lago Hosts Meeting Between Israeli Security Minister and GOP Leaders

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir met with senior U.S. Republican officials on Tuesday evening at Mar-a-Lago, the Florida estate of President Donald Trump, as part of his first official diplomatic visit to the United States.

“I had the honor and privilege of meeting with senior members of the Republican Party,” Ben-Gvir said in a statement, highlighting their “support for my clear stance on how action should be taken in Gaza.” The minister emphasized his belief that military pressure including targeting Hamas-controlled food and aid depots could help bring Israeli hostages home.

Among those attending the Mar-a-Lago event were House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) and other GOP lawmakers. Ben-Gvir was invited to address additional members of Congress and Senate leaders in upcoming meetings.

Speaking through an interpreter, Ben-Gvir told guests: “We have a joint war against the jihadists. Thank God, we’ve made a few changes in Israel in how we treat jailed terrorists. It used to be like a hotel over there we took away all their privileges.”

The dinner also included dozens of Jewish community leaders and Miami-based business figures, according to the minister’s office.

Ben-Gvir’s U.S. trip began Monday, amid protests from left-wing Israeli activists upon his arrival at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, who accused him of being “racist” and a “terrorist.” Despite the opposition, the trip has focused on strengthening ties with American Jewish communities and U.S. policymakers.

He has met with leaders in Boca Raton, visited a Miami-area police station, and toured the Everglades Correctional Institute, where he observed rehabilitation programs for Jewish inmates. He also made stops at a Jewish-owned supermarket and a gun store in Hollywood, Florida.

On Wednesday, Ben-Gvir will travel to New York and Connecticut, where he is scheduled to meet Yale University students and faculty at an event hosted by Shabtai, a global Jewish leadership society.

This visit marks Ben-Gvir’s first official overseas mission since joining the Israeli government in December 2022. The minister’s unapologetically strong national security message and commitment to Israeli deterrence have found a receptive audience among U.S. conservatives.

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