Who Will Claim Israel's Vacant Interior Ministry Portfolio?
More than a year after the departure of Shas ministers, Israel's Interior Ministry remains vacant. As the nation looks toward future elections, political analysts examine potential scenarios for who will claim the powerful portfolio.
For more than a year, Israel has lacked a permanent Minister of Interior—one of the most critical portfolios in the government, wielding immense influence over daily life. Following the departure of Shas ministers from the coalition, including then-Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, the portfolio has remained vacant despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to find a permanent interim replacement.
Senior Likud figures who were offered the post refused, citing the heavy workload and Shas's enduring grip on the ministry even without a titular minister. How did the Interior Ministry become a political hot potato, and who will claim it in the next government? Several scenarios remain on the table.
The Return of Aryeh Deri
If a right-wing religious coalition returns to power, Shas is almost certain to demand the return of the Interior Ministry. The political leverage provided by controlling local authorities and municipal councils is simply too great to relinquish. The real question is who will officially hold the position: Aryeh Deri himself, pending legislation to bypass the Supreme Court ruling that disqualified him due to past criminal convictions; or a designated proxy chosen by the Shas leader.
Compromise for The Democrats
Under a potential center-left alignment, the Interior Ministry could serve as an ideal compromise to satisfy coalition demands without triggering ideological friction. Figures such as Naama Lazimi or Gilad Kariv, or even Yair Golan himself, could find themselves stepping into the role to balance ministerial portfolios efficiently.
Rewards within Likud
Should a broad unity government emerge or Shas relinquish the post, Netanyahu could take direct control of the ministry for the first time in a decade. This would allow him to reward loyal Likud stalwarts, with coalition chairman Ofir Kisch, Eli Cohen, Miri Regev, Miki Zohar, and David Amsalem frequently mentioned as prospective candidates.
The budget of the Interior Ministry is relatively modest—around 413 million shekels in 2026—yet its true power lies in its authority over planning, construction, and the Population and Immigration Authority.
