Netanyahu Declares Likud Will Hold Key Security Portfolios

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that his Likud party will control the ministries of National Security and Education in the potential next government. The announcement came during an election rally in the city of Acre, amidst demands from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Ben-Gvir's party, Otzma Yehudit, had stipulated that Ben-Gvir himself would serve as Minister of Defense in exchange for their participation in a future Netanyahu-led government. While Netanyahu did not explicitly name Ben-Gvir, he stated, "In the next term, the Ministry of National Security will be in the hands of Likud, as will the Ministry of Education." He added, in remarks seemingly aimed at attracting new voters as elections approach, "We will ensure the security and education of every boy and girl in Israel, Jews and non-Jews alike." Netanyahu reiterated that the security portfolio would remain with Likud. He did not address the Ministry of Justice, which Ben-Gvir had reportedly sought for Knesset Member Tali Gottlieb. A statement from Ben-Gvir's party on October 22nd outlined their demands, including Ben-Gvir as Defense Minister and Gottlieb as Justice Minister. The party also presented their proposed agenda for these roles. Ben-Gvir's security plan includes encouraging what he termed "voluntary migration" of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank, disarming the Palestinian Authority, and arresting its officials on charges of supporting terrorism. Gottlieb's judicial agenda proposes dismissing the government's legal advisor immediately after the formation of the next government and altering the appointment process for Supreme Court justices to include hearings before a Knesset Constitution Committee, requiring a two-thirds majority for confirmation.