Ben-Gvir Seeks Defense Ministry, Proposes Major Security and Legal Reforms

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced on Tuesday evening that he is demanding the Defense Ministry portfolio, stating, "It's time for someone from the outside. It's time to change the concept in the IDF." He also revealed his ambitious security plan for the next Knesset term, which includes encouraging the "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank, disarming the Palestinian Authority, and arresting senior terror supporters. Ben-Gvir further outlined intentions to alter IDF open-fire regulations, increase soldier salaries, and open elite units, including Unit 8200, to the general population.

Concurrently, newly joined party member Tally Gotlieb detailed her proposed legal reforms. These include the immediate dismissal of the Attorney General, altering the appointment process for Supreme Court justices to require a hearing in the Knesset's Constitution Committee and a two-thirds majority approval. Gotlieb also aims to return the Supreme Court to its "natural purpose" by reinstating the standing test and the principle that not all matters are justiciable, alongside explicitly defining non-justiciable issues. Additionally, she seeks to abolish the candidate selection course and the State Attorney's directive requiring prior approval from the prosecution to open criminal investigations for offenses like incitement and sedition.