Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir says he wants Defense Ministry to promote Palestinian emigration

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he wants to become defense minister in order to promote Palestinian emigration and described the issue as a central priority in Israel’s upcoming election.

Asked what he considered the main issue in the election, Ben-Gvir said: “I think the central issue is encouraging emigration. I want to be defense minister in order to encourage emigration.”

Ben-Gvir also said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not want him to remain national security minister or become defense minister. “What will they let us have? The Tourism Ministry?” he asked.

Netanyahu said earlier this week that the defense and national security portfolios would remain in Likud hands after the election, rejecting Ben-Gvir’s push for the Defense Ministry.

Ben-Gvir has repeatedly promoted Palestinian emigration from Gaza as a policy goal. In September, he presented a plan aimed at encouraging Palestinians to leave the territory voluntarily.