Likud Rejects Ben-Gvir's Demands for Key Ministries

The Likud party has strongly reacted to demands made by Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party, to secure the Defense and Justice ministerial portfolios in the next government. Likud sources indicated they would not concede these key ministries during coalition negotiations, viewing them as essential to their party. The party also expressed concern that Ben-Gvir's potential appointment as Defense Minister could provoke a strong negative reaction from neighboring Arab states, particularly Egypt and Jordan, potentially escalating tensions.

These demands were presented at a press conference where Ben-Gvir and MK Tali Gottlieb outlined their proposed agenda for the next government. Ben-Gvir stated Otzma Yehudit would seek the Defense Ministry for him and the Justice Ministry for Gottlieb. Ben-Gvir's platform also includes changes to IDF rules of engagement, increased soldier support, higher salaries, and land grants for combat troops. He also proposed altering the IDF's ethical code, currently based on Asa Kasher's principles, and making elite units like Unit 8200 more accessible to the general population.

Gottlieb, if appointed Justice Minister, plans to immediately dismiss the government's legal advisor and reform the Supreme Court justice appointment process. Her proposals include requiring Knesset constitutional committee hearings for nominees and a two-thirds majority vote for confirmation. She also aims to limit the Supreme Court's (High Court of Justice) jurisdiction, asserting that not all matters should be subject to judicial review and defining specific areas outside judicial oversight. Additionally, Gottlieb intends to abolish the current judicial candidate selection course and implement harsher penalties for criminal organizations and terrorists to enhance deterrence. She also seeks to change the procedure for initiating criminal investigations into offenses like incitement and rebellion, removing the requirement for prior prosecutorial approval.

The dispute over these ministerial positions has become a prominent issue during the election campaign, with Likud signaling its firm stance against ceding the Defense and Justice ministries.