Itamar Ben Gvir Demands National Security Ministry in Next Israeli Government

Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister and leader of Otzma Yehudit, made significant political declarations at the Israel Hayom conference on Sunday. Addressing his political future and the distribution of ministerial portfolios in the upcoming government, Ben Gvir firmly stated that he will not relinquish his current responsibilities. He declared with certainty that the National Security Ministry portfolio will remain under Otzma Yehudit's control in the next government.

Ben Gvir also addressed his relationship with Bezalel Smotrich, the Finance Minister and his former partner in leading the Religious Zionism party. He announced a definitive and official split from Smotrich and the Religious Zionism party, emphasizing that they will run separately in the forthcoming elections. Ben Gvir justified this decision by highlighting fundamental differences in their target voter bases, noting that Smotrich does not appeal to peripheral communities as he does.

These statements underscore Ben Gvir's intent to maintain his political influence and assert Otzma Yehudit's independent path ahead of the elections, signaling a reshaping of alliances within the right-wing political landscape in Israel.