Likud Party Opposes Itamar Ben-Gvir's Demands for Key Ministries

The Likud party has expressed opposition to statements made by Itamar Ben-Gvir, chairman of the Otzma Yehudit party, regarding his demands for key government portfolios following the upcoming elections. Ben-Gvir intends to seek the Ministry of Defense for himself and the Ministry of Justice for Tali Gottlieb, his party's second-in-command and a new member.

Likud's objections stem from two primary concerns. Firstly, the party considers both the Defense and Justice ministries to be core portfolios belonging to Likud, although they acknowledge these positions have been held by individuals outside the party in past Likud-led governments. Secondly, Likud fears a negative reaction from the Arab world, particularly from Egypt and Jordan, should Ben-Gvir be appointed as Defense Minister.

Ben-Gvir's security platform, presented by Otzma Yehudit, includes proposals such as encouraging voluntary emigration from Gaza and the West Bank, dismantling the concept of 'containment' of conflict, disarming the Palestinian Authority, and arresting senior figures supporting terrorism. The plan also calls for changes to open-fire regulations, increased soldier pay, free land for combat soldiers, revising ethical codes, and opening elite units like Unit 8200 to the general population.

As part of this platform, Gottlieb has called for the dismissal of the current Attorney General as an initial step in forming the next government. Her proposals also include appointing Supreme Court justices only after a hearing in the Knesset's Constitution Committee and approval by a two-thirds majority, and abolishing a candidate screening process she claims is used to filter judges.