After months without a permanent interior minister: Netanyahu's leading candidate for the post

The state informed the High Court that Netanyahu intends to appoint a permanent interior minister during the election period, after months without a permanent minister. Ofir Katz is considered the leading candidate, but his associates say no final decision has been made. The Movement for Quality of Government demanded a permanent appointment and the cancellation of authority transfers to the prime minister.

The state informed the High Court that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to appoint a permanent interior minister during the election period, as reported today (Monday) in the response of the prosecution on behalf of the government, the Prime Minister, and the Attorney General. This comes after months without a permanent interior minister, and the court demanded a response to the difficulties created by the lack of a permanent minister and authorities that have not yet been transferred. According to the law, during a transitional government, appointing ministers due to the need to fill a vacancy or due to a minister's resignation does not require Knesset approval. Associates of Ofir Katz, considered the leading candidate, said they are not aware of a final decision, but noted that Katz would accept any role assigned to him. In a petition filed by the Movement for Quality of Government against the government, the Prime Minister, and the Attorney General, it was demanded to appoint an interior minister on a permanent basis and to cancel government decisions that transferred certain authorities of the interior minister to the Prime Minister. At the end of May, a hearing was held on the petition, following which the government and its head were asked to submit an update notice on the statutory authorities of the interior minister that are difficult to exercise, including managing elections, appointments to key positions, personal status, and entry into Israel. Attorney Tomer Naor from the movement stated that the notice proves that leaving the ministry without a permanent minister harms its functioning and the public interest, and it is necessary to turn the intention into an actual appointment without delay.