Israel's Netanyahu offers far-right Ben-Gvir national security minister role

Netanyahu in talks to form coalition government after winning parliamentary majority earlier this month

By Abdelraouf Arna'out

JERUSALEM (AA) - Israeli Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to offer far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir the portfolio of the national security minister in the new Israeli government.

Israeli public broadcaster KAN said Netanyahu's Likud party agreed with Ben-Gvir, who is head of the Jewish Strength party, on other positions including the portfolio of the minister for development of periphery, Negev and galilee, minister for national fortitude, and deputy minister for the economy.

Under their deal, the National Security Ministry will have expanded authorities, including control of the border police.

Netanyahu is still in talks to form a coalition government after winning a majority in the Knesset earlier this month.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara

Kaynak: