Minister Ben-Gvir seeks to head Israel’s Defense Ministry — Asharq Al-Awsat

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said in Jerusalem that he would seek the post of defense minister in the next government. Parliamentary elections in Israel are scheduled for October 27. Asharq Al-Awsat reports.

Changing military doctrine

Ben-Gvir, who is part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition, explained his decision by the need to change the army’s approach. According to him, Israel must revise its security doctrine, setting the goal of “decisive victory on every front.”

The minister also presented a security plan that provides for encouraging the “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, disarming the Palestinian Authority, which he called “terrorist,” and increasing support for Israeli military personnel. Earlier in September, Ben-Gvir presented a separate detailed plan to encourage Gaza residents to leave abroad.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

The publication notes that representatives of the right-wing coalition have repeatedly spoken about moving Palestinians out of Gaza, but it remains unclear to what extent these statements can be implemented. Forced displacement of civilians in occupied territory is considered a war crime under the Geneva Conventions.

Opposition reaction and elections

Ben-Gvir’s statement prompted a reaction from the Israeli opposition. Gadi Eisenkot, one of the contenders for the post of prime minister, wrote on X that Netanyahu had “lost his mind” by agreeing to Ben-Gvir’s presence in his coalition.

The October 27 vote is expected to be competitive, and the current ruling parties are not guaranteed to retain their positions. According to a Channel 16 poll released on Sunday, Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit (“Jewish Power”) party has 7% support, which could secure it eight of the 120 seats in the Knesset.