Netanyahu Taps Saar as Interior Minister Amid Political Maneuvering
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will propose appointing Foreign Minister Gideon Saar as the new Interior Minister on Wednesday, after MK Ofir Katz declined the role. Katz will instead focus on consolidating the right-wing bloc in the Knesset. The move comes as Netanyahu works to prevent an alternative government and maintain support from ultra-Orthodox parties, reportedly engaging in talks with religious figures and party leaders.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Gideon Saar is set to be appointed as Israel's Interior Minister by Prime Minister Netanyahu.
- MK Ofir Katz declined the Interior Minister position to focus on consolidating the right-wing bloc.
- The appointment occurs amid Netanyahu's efforts to prevent an alternative government.
- Netanyahu is reportedly pressuring ultra-Orthodox parties to prevent them from joining a rival government.
- Secret talks were held with Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas to counter support for an alternative government.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to bring the appointment of Foreign Minister Gideon Saar as the new Interior Minister for government approval on Wednesday. This move follows MK Ofir Katz's decision to forgo the position offered to him, opting instead to focus on consolidating the right-wing bloc's efforts in the Knesset during the current sensitive political period.
Saar, who previously served as Interior Minister between 2013 and 2014, is expected to return to the role. The appointment occurs amidst Netanyahu's efforts to prevent the formation of an alternative government, reportedly led by Gadi Eisenkot, and to keep the ultra-Orthodox parties from joining such a coalition.
According to reports, Prime Minister Netanyahu initially approached MK Ofir Katz with the Interior Minister portfolio. Katz, considered a close associate of Netanyahu within the Likud party, declined the offer to remain in the Knesset and concentrate on coordinating the right-wing bloc's activities.
In parallel, Netanyahu is reportedly intensifying pressure on the ultra-Orthodox parties. Recent publications indicate that Natan Eshel, a confidant of Netanyahu, engaged in secret discussions with Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas to dissuade support for an Eisenkot-led government. Furthermore, Netanyahu's attempts to directly contact senior rabbis were reportedly met with refusal from their associates, who advised him to pursue conventional channels.
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