Following the withdrawal of Shas and UTJ from government roles, Likud and coalition partners are demanding upgraded portfolios, reshaping Israel’s political power dynamics.
The political vacuum left by the withdrawal of the ultra-Orthodox Shas and United Torah Judaism (UTJ) parties from ministerial roles has ignited a fresh power struggle within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition. As portfolios lay unclaimed, ambitious coalition members are seizing the moment to demand promotions and realignment of influence.
According to Kan Reshet Bet, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has formally requested the Interior and Housing Ministries. Sources close to Ben Gvir say his interest in the Housing Ministry is tied to his agenda of slashing land prices in the Negev and Galilee—specifically for reserve soldiers, signaling a blend of populism and security-oriented social policy.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, meanwhile, is pressing for greater institutional control, demanding that a member of his Religious Zionism party replace Likud MK Ofir Katz as chairman of the powerful Finance Committee. Katz has been filling in for the recently resigned UTJ MK Moshe Gafni, who previously held the position.
In parallel, several Likud ministers are pressuring Netanyahu for upgraded posts, particularly those vacated by Shas—including the Health, Labor, and Welfare ministries.
Despite stepping down from government roles, the Shas party has not exited the coalition entirely. Its Knesset members have been instructed to retain their positions in parliamentary committees and have pledged not to back a no-confidence vote. According to party officials, this calculated move is intended to signal unwavering commitment to the controversial draft exemption law for yeshiva students—without immediately collapsing the government.
Insiders now expect the Religious Zionist Party to also take over the Religious Affairs Ministry as part of the redistribution.
The situation has sparked concerns within Likud over growing internal fragmentation and escalating rivalry over coveted ministerial seats, all while Netanyahu attempts to maintain cohesion in an already fragile coalition.
