Netanyahu Plans to Appoint Interior Minister, Leading Candidate Is Ofir Katz

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to inform the Supreme Court soon of his decision to appoint a new Interior Minister. This move comes after a prolonged period without a minister in the role, which has hindered numerous government decisions and actions. Since the resignation of former Interior Minister Moshe Arbel and other Shas party ministers in October 2025, the Israeli government has operated without an Interior Minister or a deputy for the position.

About a week and a half ago, reports indicated that Netanyahu is considering appointing Knesset member Ofir Katz, who currently serves as the chairman of the Likud faction, coalition chairman, and chairman of the Knesset Committee, as the new Interior Minister. This appointment is seen as recognition of Katz's contributions to advancing recent judicial reforms in the Knesset.

The absence of an Interior Minister has also been highlighted in recent investigative reporting by ynet regarding delays in enforcing the law on the expulsion of families of terrorists. The report noted that the vacancy in the Interior Ministry was one of the factors causing the delay in implementing this legislation.