Israeli Parties Vie for Key Ministerial Posts Ahead of Elections

With the upcoming Knesset elections just three weeks away, Israeli political parties have begun publicly staking claims to key ministerial portfolios in the next government. Among the most sought-after positions are the ministries of Defense, Justice, Education, and National Security.

Ofer Winter, chairman of Am Israel, declared his intention to become the next Minister of Defense, stating he would do "everything" to achieve the role and implement his strategy for integrating the Haredi community into the IDF and achieving decisive outcomes. Similarly, Itamar Ben-Gvir, chairman of Otzma Yehudit, also announced his demand for the Defense Ministry post, outlining plans that include encouraging voluntary emigration from Gaza and Judea and Samaria, increasing soldiers' salaries, providing free land for combat soldiers, and altering IDF open-fire regulations and its ethical code. The Likud party responded to Ben-Gvir's claims by asserting that the Defense Ministry would remain with Likud and would not be a subject for coalition negotiations.

In the Justice Ministry, MK Tali Gottlieb, representing Otzma Yehudit, has been named as the party's candidate, though she is ineligible to serve as minister due to her Knesset immunity. Likud candidate Yaakov Bardugo, a confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has also expressed aspirations for the Justice portfolio, though he is reportedly being considered by Netanyahu for the role of Communications Minister. The Religious Zionism party, led by Bezalel Smotrich, has presented a comprehensive plan for judicial reform but has not officially demanded the Justice Ministry. Opposition parties, including the Democrats, have also expressed interest, with Chairman Yair Golan stating his party would seek the ministry to "fortify democracy."

The Ministry of Education is another area of contention. Current Minister Yoav Kisch of Likud has indicated his desire to continue in the role. However, the the Number 4 on the list party has designated education professional Adi Altshuler for the position. Other parties, such as Be-Yachad and the Democrats, have also put forward candidates like Meirav Cohen and Naama Lazimi, respectively, while Avi Maoz, chairman of the Noam party, is also vying for the Education Ministry.

Significant attention is also being paid to the Ministry of National Security, particularly given the rise in crime and perceived lack of governance under the current government. Ben-Gvir's party has already designated Yitzhak Wasserlauf to succeed him. Other parties, including Yisrael Beiteinu for former minister Hamad Amar and the Democrats, are also seeking the portfolio. Former Deputy Minister Yoav Segalovitz, now with Ra'am, has also expressed interest, as has Yoram Cohen.