Netanyahu moves to name new interior minister amid legal hurdles and public discontent

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to appoint a new interior minister after Moshe Arbel resigned in July 2025, citing his inability to serve because of pending criminal proceedings. Attorney General Gali Baharav‑Miara informed the Supreme Court of the decision, while Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who temporarily held the portfolio, saw his interim term end in October. Netanyahu cannot assume the duties himself due to the corruption trial he faces.

A recent poll by the Institute for National Security Studies shows that 73% of Israelis have lost confidence in Netanyahu’s coalition cabinet, with only 25% expressing full trust. The survey also noted widespread skepticism about the government’s security decisions and mixed views on a potential US‑Israel‑Iran conflict. The poll follows International Criminal Court arrest warrants issued in November 2024 for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza, as well as a genocide case before the International Court of Justice.