Itamar Ben Gvir seeks Israel defence minister post

Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said Tuesday he will seek the defence minister post in the next government, as the country prepares for elections next month.

Ben Gvir, a key minister in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition, said at a Jerusalem press conference that “the time has come to change the mindset within the IDF”, referring to the Israeli military.

He presented a security plan that includes what he called the “encouragement of voluntary emigration” of Palestinians from Gaza and the occupied West Bank, disarming what he called the “terrorist” Palestinian Authority, and increased support for Israeli soldiers.

Members of the ruling right-wing coalition have made multiple statements about transferring Palestinians out of Gaza, but it is unclear to what extent their remarks will be followed by action. Forced displacement of civilians in occupied territory is considered a war crime under the Geneva Conventions.

Ben Gvir's announcement drew criticism from opposition leaders. Gadi Eisenkot, a contender for the premiership, accused Netanyahu on X of having “lost it” by accepting “criminal Ben Gvir” in his coalition.

The October 27 vote is expected to be close. A Channel 16 survey published Sunday put Ben Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party at seven percent, which would give it eight of the Knesset's 120 seats.