Smotrich offers ministerial role to Finter to secure right-wing coalition

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has offered Ofer Finter, leader of the Amcha Israel party, a ministerial position within the Ministry of Defense. The proposal aims to prevent the loss of right-wing votes in upcoming Knesset elections and ensure the formation of a right-wing government.

Under the proposal, Finter would oversee two specialized administrations: one dedicated to the displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip under the label of ‘voluntary migration,’ and another focused on the recruitment and social integration of Haredi Jews into the workforce and military. Smotrich stated that the Gaza administration would be granted significant legal authority, a substantial budget, and coordination powers involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mossad, Shin Bet, the IDF, and the National Security Council.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also pressured Finter to withdraw from the elections, warning on social media that Finter’s candidacy fails to meet the electoral threshold in polls and threatens to allow a left-wing government to take power.