Ben Gvir Demands Key Ministries for Himself and Ally Ahead of Coalition Talks

Otzma Yehudit party leader Itamar Ben-Gvir announced his party's coalition demands for the next government, seeking the Defense Ministry for himself and the Justice Ministry for Knesset member Tali Gottlieb. Ben-Gvir also stated that Yitzhak Wasserlauf would be designated as the Minister for National Security.

The proposed appointments have sparked immediate political reactions, particularly concerning potential legal hurdles for Gottlieb. Legal and political sources noted that Gottlieb has previously utilized her parliamentary immunity, a move that could legally complicate or prevent her appointment as a minister under current law.

Ben-Gvir justified selecting Gottlieb for the Justice portfolio by referencing current proponents of judicial reform, stating, "Many have spoken, so I brought Tali Gottlieb." As part of his platform, Ben-Gvir also declared his intention to promote "voluntary immigration" from Gaza and the West Bank.

Sources within the Likud party expressed displeasure with Otzma Yehudit's maximalist demands, asserting that the Defense and Justice portfolios are "core ministries" that will not be ceded to coalition partners. Ben-Gvir had previously called on Prime Minister Netanyahu to form a broader government, which would necessitate flexibility from all parties regarding ministerial portfolios.