Netanyahu rules out giving key ministries to Ben-Gvir, sparking coalition dispute

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he intends to keep the Interior and National Security ministries under the control of his Likud party in the next government, rejecting demands by far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir for a senior ministerial position.

Netanyahu made the remarks at a conference in the northern Israeli city of Acre, according to the Hebrew-language newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, triggering a public dispute over the distribution of cabinet portfolios ahead of the Knesset elections scheduled for 27^th October.

Ben-Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, has said during his election campaign that he intends to seek the National Security portfolio. He has also called for the Justice Ministry to be assigned to Tally Gotliv, the second candidate on his party’s electoral list.

Responding to Netanyahu’s remarks, Otzma Yehudit accused the prime minister of preparing to exclude the party from a future governing coalition.

“What was hidden has now come to light,” the party said in a statement.

The party argued that Netanyahu’s intention to retain the Interior, National Security and Justice ministries for Likud suggested a plan to exclude Ben-Gvir and Otzma Yehudit from the coalition while bringing in former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot.

It further alleged that Netanyahu intended to transfer key ministerial portfolios to parties on the political left.

The dispute follows criticism by Ben-Gvir two days earlier, when he accused Netanyahu of attempting to draw votes away from Otzma Yehudit rather than expanding support beyond the right-wing electorate.

Speaking at a conference organised by Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynet, Ben-Gvir addressed Netanyahu directly, saying: “Instead of taking seats away from me, go and take them from Eisenkot.”

Ben-Gvir also accused Netanyahu of considering a unity government with Eisenkot and warned against such an arrangement.

“Do not make this mistake; the camp must remain entirely right-wing,” he said.

The exchange highlights growing tensions between Likud and Otzma Yehudit over the composition of a potential future coalition and control of key government ministries.