JERUSALEM — Israeli nationalist politician Itamar Ben Gvir announced on 24 September 2026 that he will pursue the post of defence minister, the Al Jazeera video feed reported.
Bid outlined amid coalition talks
Ben Gvir, who currently serves as minister of national security, said his candidacy reflects a desire to “strengthen Israel’s defence capabilities” and to bring a “hard‑line stance” to the ministry. He outlined plans to prioritize missile‑defence systems and to increase the budget for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The announcement came as the coalition government, formed after the March 2026 elections, continues to allocate key portfolios. Sources close to the prime minister’s office said the defence ministry remains under review, with senior officials weighing the political balance of the cabinet.
Political reactions
Members of the coalition’s centrist bloc expressed caution, noting the need for broad consensus on defence policy. A senior official from the centre‑right party declined to comment on the specific timing of any appointment.
Opposition parties, including the Labour and Meretz groups, issued statements questioning Ben Gvir’s suitability for the role, citing his past remarks on minority communities. No official response from the opposition was included in the Al Jazeera report.
Diaspora community response
In a related commentary, eJewishPhilanthropy highlighted ongoing efforts by diaspora Jewish organisations to have their perspectives considered in Jerusalem’s security debates. The piece noted that diaspora groups have called for “greater inclusion of diverse voices” in policy discussions, a sentiment that may intersect with the current ministerial reshuffle.
While the diaspora commentary did not reference Ben Gvir directly, it underscored a broader push for representation that could influence how the defence ministry engages with global Jewish communities.
Potential impact on defence policy
If appointed, Ben Gvir would oversee the procurement of advanced weaponry, including next‑generation air‑defence systems that Israel has been negotiating with European and American partners. The Al Jazeera feed mentioned that the defence ministry’s budget for the 2027 fiscal year is projected at approximately ₹1.2 trillion (about $15 billion), though the exact allocation remains subject to cabinet approval.
Analysts cited in the report suggested that a shift toward a more hard‑line defence posture could affect Israel’s diplomatic engagements, particularly with neighbouring states and the United States, which continues to provide military aid under the 2016 memorandum of understanding.
Next steps
The prime minister is expected to meet with coalition partners later this week to finalise the cabinet line‑up. No formal nomination for the defence ministry has been announced as of the time of writing.
