Gaza Herald – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Monday that Itamar Ben Gvir will serve as a senior minister in his next government, should he win the upcoming elections scheduled for October 27. This statement came in direct response to accusations made by Ben Gvir against Netanyahu’s office regarding coalition participation.
Ben Gvir, who currently serves as the National Security Minister, alleged that the Prime Minister’s office had pledged to European Union officials not to include him or his Jewish Power party in the future governing coalition. He claimed to have received information about messages from Netanyahu’s office supporting this exclusion despite their current partnership.
Reacting to what he described as electoral gamesmanship, Netanyahu told supporters not to be deceived. He stated explicitly that Ben Gvir would be a prominent minister in their government, thereby denying any decision to exclude the leader of Jewish Power from the next administration.
The Likud party dismissed Ben Gvir’s claims as a false political maneuver before Netanyahu issued his direct confirmation. The dispute highlights intensifying competition among right-wing parties ahead of the vote, with significant disagreements over the shape of the future coalition and the distribution of ministerial posts.
Parties within Netanyahu’s camp are demanding influential positions in the proposed government. Ben Gvir has previously expressed his desire to take charge of the Defense portfolio and raised other demands regarding cabinet allocations. The election campaign focuses heavily on whether Netanyahu’s bloc can maintain support from right-wing allies while navigating internal conflicts.
Jewish Power remains a partner in the current governing coalition but is competing in the upcoming elections alongside other right-wing factions vying to help form the next government. Political discourse centers on the ability of Netanyahu’s camp to preserve its alliance structure and overcome differences among partners.
The contest for forming the next government involves complex negotiations over power sharing. Right-wing groups are positioning themselves to secure key ministries, reflecting the high stakes of the October 27 polls. The tension between Netanyahu and Ben Gvir underscores the fragility of the current political arrangement.
Observers note that the public nature of these disputes may influence voter sentiment and coalition dynamics. Both leaders are using the media to assert their positions and appeal to their respective bases as the election date approaches.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
