Netanyahu Considers Appointing Ofir Katz as Interior Minister in Caretaker Government

One week after finalizing a legislative deal with the ultra-Orthodox parties in the Knesset, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering appointing Ofir Katz, the Likud faction chairman and coalition leader, as Interior Minister. Katz is widely regarded as the main architect behind the recent legislative maneuvers and has managed the coalition firmly throughout the entire term, with very few losses in the Knesset plenum.

The potential appointment comes amid an unusual situation in which Israel has been operating for several months without a permanent Interior Minister. Netanyahu’s office views this move as a significant reward for Katz’s performance. However, the appointment is not immediate and will be evaluated only after the Likud primaries conclude and the Arrangements Committee is organized.

Furthermore, the sensitive nature of the Interior Ministry portfolio means the appointment must also receive full backing from the ultra-Orthodox coalition parties. This step reflects Netanyahu’s ongoing efforts to consolidate coalition stability ahead of the next government formation phase.