Following the recent election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly declared that the key ministerial positions of Defense and Public Security (Police) will not be granted to Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir. Netanyahu asserted that these sensitive portfolios must remain within his own party, Likud, to ensure stability and policy continuity. This decision marks a clear boundary in the ongoing coalition-building process.

Itamar Ben Gvir, whose party is a key partner in the right-wing bloc, reacted sharply to the announcement. He suggested that Netanyahu’s refusal is a calculated move to keep the door open for a potential coalition with centrist politicians, such as Gadi Eisenkot. Ben Gvir expressed his frustration publicly, stating that the "cat's out of the bag," implying that the Prime Minister is prioritizing centrist alliances over the ideological commitments made to his right-wing partners.

The disagreement highlights the underlying tension between Netanyahu’s desire to maintain a broad, stable government and the demands of his far-right allies who seek significant influence over national security policy. While Netanyahu frames the decision as a matter of party governance and state security, Ben Gvir views it as a betrayal of the voters who supported a right-wing government. As of now, the coalition negotiations remain in a state of flux, with both sides maneuvering to secure their preferred ministerial roles while managing public expectations.