Otzma Yehudit Demands Key Defense, Justice Portfolios in Coalition Talks

The Otzma Yehudit party has outlined its non-negotiable demands for joining the next Israeli government, seeking the powerful Ministry of Defense for party leader Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Ministry of Justice for MK Tali Gottlieb.

Ben-Gvir's proposed security agenda includes encouraging the "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank, disarming the Palestinian Authority, and revising open-fire regulations to provide greater backing for soldiers. He also aims to dismantle the current "containment concept" and potentially elevate his role from Minister of National Security to Defense Minister, while retaining his current ministry.

Gottlieb, who recently joined Otzma Yehudit from the Likud, has presented a plan to overhaul the justice system. Key demands include the immediate dismissal of the current Attorney General upon the government's formation, a significant change in the Supreme Court justice selection process requiring a supermajority in the Knesset's Constitution Committee, and a drastic reduction in the Supreme Court's powers by limiting standing and non-justiciable issues.

Otzma Yehudit's platform also proposes military reforms such as increasing soldiers' salaries, providing land to combat soldiers, replacing the IDF's ethical code, and opening elite units to all sectors. The party's assertive stance signals a move away from junior ministerial roles, aiming for direct control over sensitive and influential state power centers.

These demands are expected to ignite a contentious and complex coalition negotiation process. Ben-Gvir's potential appointment to the Defense Ministry could face significant opposition from both domestic political factions and international allies, while Gottlieb's push for the Justice Ministry and the dismissal of the Attorney General signals a strong intent to advance judicial reforms.