Aharon Gabai, a 28-year-old right-wing activist from Jerusalem and a convicted criminal, has taken on the role of assistant to Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's Minister of National Security. Gabai previously served time as a security detainee due to his involvement in violent incidents against Palestinians, including a conviction for threats against another individual. Despite not being a formal employee of the Ministry of National Security and lacking an official security clearance, he has been accompanying Ben Gvir on security tours and is reportedly handling sensitive security information.

Gabai is known as a prominent figure in clashes occurring in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem and has actively participated in these conflicts in recent years. This role exposes him to a range of security matters and allows him to directly influence how information is disseminated, including updates on significant security incidents such as rocket fire into Israel, which he shares through a WhatsApp group. The nature of his position raises concerns about the oversight and security protocols in place when political figures work with individuals who have a criminal background, particularly in a region marked by ongoing tension and conflict.

The appointment has sparked debate about the implications of employing someone with Gabai's history at such a sensitive level within the government. It reflects broader issues regarding accountability, the handling of security information, and how political alignments can affect operational security in a volatile environment like Israel. The situation highlights potential risks for both the security apparatus and the broader population, given that Gabai remains linked to controversial activism and public demonstrations involving heightened tensions in Israeli-Palestinian relations.