Netanyahu Rules Out Ben-Gvir for Defense Ministry, Sparks Coalition Tensions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on October 15 that the Defense Ministry and the Ministry of National Security would remain under Likud control in the next government, should he form one. This declaration comes amid demands from current Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, who had expressed his intention to secure the Defense Ministry post. Ben-Gvir's party, Otzma Yehudit, reacted sharply, interpreting Netanyahu's remarks as a decision to exclude them from the coalition and potentially include Gadi Eisenkot instead. Ben-Gvir had previously announced his ambition to lead the Defense Ministry, citing a need for a "fundamental change" in military approach and the "spirit of victory" to permeate the IDF. He also proposed appointing Tali Gottlieb to the Justice Ministry. Ben-Gvir outlined his party's security platform, which includes encouraging Palestinian emigration from Gaza and the West Bank, abandoning deterrence, disarming the Palestinian Authority, altering rules of engagement, increasing soldier benefits, and revising the IDF's ethical code. He also called for opening elite units like Unit 8200 to all segments of the population. Earlier, Ben-Gvir had criticized Netanyahu for attempting to poach his party's voters, urging the prime minister to seek votes from Eisenkot instead and warning against forming a government with him. Ben-Gvir also commented on the rapprochement between Netanyahu and Bezalel Smotrich, accusing Netanyahu of campaigning against Otzma Yehudit. The dispute has escalated from ministerial portfolio allocation to an open pre-election confrontation over the composition of the future government and the potential inclusion of Eisenkot over far-right partners.