If opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu manages to form a government after the upcoming elections, Otzma Yehudit head Itamar Ben-Gvir could be a minister in the cabinet, Netanyahu said at the Channel 14 elections conference on Sunday.

In response to a question about whether Ben-Gvir will be a minister if a right-wing government is formed by Netanyahu, the former prime minister stated "he definitely could be, anyone could be. That's perfectly clear."

Netanyahu dismissed demands by parties in the right-wing bloc for specific ministries, stressing that the Likud would hold key portfolios such as the Defense, Foreign and Finance Ministries.

"We must have a large Likud both to prevent Lapid from receiving the mandate, and also so that we can govern in a strong and stable manner and that the key portfolios, security, foreign affairs and finance - should be in the hands of the ruling party," said Netanyahu at the Channel 14 conference.

Opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu at the Knesset, May 18, 2022.
Opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu at the Knesset, May 18, 2022. (credit: OLIVIER FITOUSSI/FLASH90)

Ben-Gvir: I'll make demands and not for the Water Ministry

Earlier this month, Ben-Gvir told Channel 14 that if a government was formed he would "have demands, and it won't be for the [Energy and] Water Ministry." The MK refused to specify which portfolio he would demand.

Ben-Gvir added that no matter how many seats the Religious Zionist list gets, he would demand to be a minister.