Ben-Gvir's demands spark anger in Likud
Otzma Yehudit party leader Itamar Ben-Gvir demanded the defense portfolio for himself and the justice ministry for MK Tali Gottlieb in the next government. Likud reacted sharply, calling these ministries "home" ministries for the party and stating they have no intention of yielding them in coalition negotiations. The party also expressed concern over the diplomatic consequences of appointing Ben-Gvir as defense minister, which could strain relations with Egypt and Jordan.
Otzma Yehudit party leader Itamar Ben-Gvir demanded the defense portfolio for himself and the justice ministry for MK Tali Gottlieb in the next government. Likud reacted sharply, calling these ministries "home" ministries for the party and stating they have no intention of yielding them in coalition negotiations. The party also expressed concern over the diplomatic consequences of appointing Ben-Gvir as defense minister, which could strain relations with Egypt and Jordan. Ben-Gvir presented a program including changes to rules of engagement, salary increases for soldiers, free land for them, and changes to the IDF's ethical code, which he called the "progressive ethical code of Asa Kasher." Gottlieb, in turn, proposed the immediate dismissal of the government's legal advisor, changes to the procedure for appointing Supreme Court judges, and the abolition of the judicial selection committee. These demands highlight the issue of portfolio distribution in the future government.