The Jerusalem Daily has reported that Itamar Ben-Gvir, who serves as Israel's national security minister, is mounting a bid to become the country's defence minister in the run-up to October elections.
If successful, the move would shift Ben-Gvir from his current national security role into the defence ministry, a high-profile cabinet post with oversight of the Israel Defence Forces and key influence over military policy. The report did not provide details on the timing of any formal announcement or the level of support he may have within his own party or potential coalition partners.
The story, carried by Al Jazeera, comes as political parties and leaders prepare for the electoral contest in October. Control of the defence ministry is typically a central bargaining point in coalition negotiations because of its strategic importance and public visibility.
The Jerusalem Daily report did not include reactions from other political figures or confirmation from Ben-Gvir's office. Observers said the proposal, if pursued, could become a focal point in campaign discussions about security and governance ahead of the vote.
As the campaign unfolds, attention is likely to remain on how parties allocate key portfolios and on whether proposals such as Ben-Gvir's gain traction with partners whose backing will be necessary to form a government after the election.