Likud Rejects Ben-Gvir's Demands for Key Security, Justice Ministries

The Likud party has definitively rejected the demands of Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and MK Tali Gottlieb to be granted the portfolios for Defense and Justice in the upcoming government. This decision follows a joint press conference held by Ben-Gvir and Gottlieb on Tuesday, where they presented their demands.

Sources close to the matter revealed that Likud conveyed that the two key ministries, which they described as defining the government's identity and responsibility, will remain under Likud's control. "These are portfolios that have always been held by Likud and will not be transferred to a coalition partner, no matter how large," the sources stated.

Furthermore, the sources indicated that concerns about appointing Ben-Gvir as Defense Minister extend to potential international repercussions. They suggested that such a move could provoke opposition from neighboring countries, particularly Jordan and Egypt, and could also complicate ongoing security and diplomatic coordination with the United States, especially during sensitive periods.

Ben-Gvir had previously declared his intention to change Israel's security doctrine, advocating for a "spirit of victory and decision." He recalled standing in the cabinet against former IDF Chiefs of Staff Gantz and Eisenkot, who he claimed opposed operations in Gaza and Lebanon, asserting that the shift began after they left the government. Ben-Gvir also stated that if appointed, he would pursue a strategic plan for the "voluntary migration" of Gazans, claiming 60% of them desire this and that his ministry would prioritize it.