Netanyahu Rejects Ben-Gvir's Demand for Defense Ministry Portfolio

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the Defense Ministry portfolio must remain with his Likud party, directly responding to the aspirations of Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Ben-Gvir, chairman of Otzma Yehudit, declared his intention to demand the position in a future right-wing government, asserting that "the right wants Ben-Gvir." He rejected the notion that the Defense Ministry is the property of any single party, emphasizing its role in ensuring national security. Ben-Gvir outlined proposed changes for the Defense Ministry and the IDF, including dismantling the Palestinian Authority, facilitating voluntary migration from Gaza and the West Bank to a third country, altering the IDF's ethical code, and providing greater backing for soldiers operating against enemies. He argued for a conceptual shift within the Defense Ministry, stating that Israeli citizens desire a strong Israel and that he would lead the IDF to victory alongside Netanyahu. Netanyahu's remarks were made in response to an interview on Galatz where he addressed Ben-Gvir's political ambitions. "I understand he wants it, but he doesn't decide. The Defense Ministry must remain with Likud," Netanyahu said. In the same interview, Netanyahu commented on the possibility of a preemptive strike in Iran before elections, deeming it "not convenient for us." He also addressed the events of October 7th, stating that had he been alerted in real-time, he would have ordered the mobilization of reserve units and the Air Force, and dispersed participants of the Nova music festival. When asked about a potential political confrontation with former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu responded, "It could be, it could be."