Following the announcement of upcoming elections in Israel this October, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has publicly stated his ambition to transition into the role of Defense Minister. Ben-Gvir, who currently oversees the Ministry of National Security, is positioning himself to take over the defense portfolio, a move that would place him in charge of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and broader national military strategy.

The role of Defense Minister is traditionally one of the most influential positions in the Israeli government, often held by individuals with extensive military backgrounds. Ben-Gvir’s stated bid reflects his party's broader efforts to exert more direct control over Israel's security apparatus. While the political maneuvering for cabinet positions is standard during election cycles, the prospect of Ben-Gvir leading the defense ministry is expected to draw significant attention from both domestic political rivals and international observers, given his history of controversial stances on security and policing.

Currently, the reports focus on Ben-Gvir’s stated intent rather than any formal agreement or coalition promise. As the election approaches, the distribution of senior cabinet roles will likely become a central point of negotiation between political parties. There is no confirmation yet on whether other coalition partners or the Prime Minister would support this specific appointment, as the defense portfolio is often subject to intense scrutiny and consensus-building within the governing coalition.