Netanyahu Plans to Appoint Permanent Interior Minister Amid Election Period

After months without a permanent Interior Minister, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to appoint one during the election period. This announcement came as the state updated the High Court of Justice (HCJ) following a petition demanding a permanent appointment and the reversal of government decisions that transferred some Interior Ministry powers to the Prime Minister. The petition argued that temporary delegation of powers cannot replace a minister fully responsible for the ministry's operations.

In late May, the HCJ requested the government to detail the statutory powers of the Interior Minister that remain difficult to exercise without a permanent minister, including those related to managing Knesset elections, key appointments within the ministry, personal status issues, and immigration matters. The government responded today, stating that important powers have yet to be transferred to the Prime Minister and confirming Netanyahu's intention to appoint a permanent Interior Minister during the election period.

While no final decision has been announced regarding the candidate, sources close to Ofir Katz, a leading contender, said he is willing to accept any role assigned by Netanyahu. Attorney Tomer Naor from the Movement for Quality Government in Israel emphasized that the prolonged absence of a permanent Interior Minister harms the ministry's functioning and public interest, urging the government to implement the appointment without further delay.