Many are wondering if the chairman of the Otzma Yehudit party, attorney Itamar Ben-Gvir, will become a cabinet minister in the next coalition as Likud will need Otzma Yehudit and its four seats to form a coalition government. Recent polls show that Otzma Yehudit will receive sufficient votes to enter Knesset with four seats.
Ben-Gvir, a follower of Rav Meir Kahane HY”D, is viewed as the “right-wing extremist” in the election race, and to date, MKs from the left-wing have refused to participate in election panel discussions with him. While the right-wing is hopeful in light of recent election polls, it appears that even if Otzma Yehudit enters a coalition government, he will not be appointed to a cabinet post.
“He will not become a minister” stated Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu during a Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) interview on Sunday, adding, “Unfortunately, they will not pass the minimum threshold”.
Mr. Netanyahu made his remarks as he was departing for a state visit to Russia, speaking with reporters.
From Ben-Gvir’s position, speaking with Ynet, he explained that he has no intention of giving in and if elected to Knesset, he expects to be appointed to the cabinet as is the case with other coalition partners. Ben-Gvir is confident his party will enter Knesset as per the last polls before Election Day.
Ben-Gvir spoke to Ynet about Netanyahu, saying “I love him. I embrace him. I want him to be prime minister. I want to be a minister in his government. What am I, a sucker? Everyone will be a cabinet minister but me. Certainly, if I enter the coalition, the goal is to become a minister”.
PM Netanyahu has done everything he can to persuade Ben-Gvir to withdraw from the race, as he is certain the party will fail to receive enough votes to enter Knesset as was the case in earlier elections. Netanyahu fears that Otzma Yehudit competing in the race will result in right-wing votes being trashed.
(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
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One Response
‘Ben-Gvir’ might not become a cabinet member BUT “Ben-Gvir” can get into any yeshiva he wishes and “Ben-Gvir” is very sought after when it comes to shiduchim
So “Ben-Gvir” is not so bad off after all