Who will get which ministry? Even before the polls open - the battle for portfolios has begun

Two days before the elections, party leaders and their number twos are already marking their desired portfolios: Ben Gvir and Feiglin want Defense, three candidates are vying for Finance, and Netanyahu has announced which portfolios will not leave Likud. The article compiles campaign declarations ministry by ministry.

Two days before the opening of the polls in the 2026 elections, party leaders and their number twos have already begun marking the portfolios they are interested in for the next government. The Defense Ministry is the most sought-after: Itamar Ben Gvir and Moshe Feiglin want it, Yair Golan estimated he would serve in the role if the Democrats reach 15 seats, and Netanyahu pledged that the next Defense Minister will come from Likud. Competing for the Finance portfolio are Bezalel Smotrich, Eli Cohen, and Yaron Zelicha. Netanyahu clarified that the National Security Ministry will also remain in Likud. In the opposing bloc, Yoaz Hendel declared his desire for the role. The Justice portfolio is marked by Otzma Yehudit for Tali Gottlieb and by the Democrats for Efrat Rayten. Yair Lapid is interested in the position of Foreign Minister. The article also reviews claims for the Education, Communications, and Public Diplomacy portfolios and new ministries, and notes promises to reduce the number of ministers alongside Netanyahu's vision of a broad government.