ben-gvir’s grip on power under pressure — netanyahu rules out key ministerial role

Israeli far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir is facing a major political setback after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that he will not retain the National Security Ministry or become Defence Minister in the next government. The National Security portfolio gives its holder authority over Israel’s police and domestic security apparatus — a position that has been central to Ben-Gvir’s political influence. The development follows Israel’s October 27 elections, which left Netanyahu’s bloc without a parliamentary majority. His coalition secured 53 seats, while the opposition bloc won 48. Arab-led parties secured 19 seats, potentially giving them a decisive role in government formation. Ben-Gvir’s political future now depends heavily on coalition negotiations. Netanyahu has since publicly reassured his far-right partners that he will not abandon them. The key question: Can Ben-Gvir retain his influence without control of Israel’s national security machinery? #Israel #BenGvir #Netanyahu #IsraeliPolitics #Knesset #MiddleEast #Palestine #WorldNews #attlas