Likud’s Dichter is leading candidate to replace Ben Gvir at National Security Ministry – reports

The leading candidate to replace Itamar Ben Gvir as national security minister in the government is Likud’s Avi Dichter, who is currently serving as agriculture minister, according to Hebrew media reports.

Ben Gvir and his Otzma Yehudit party submitted their resignations this morning from the government in protest of the approval of the ceasefire-hostage release deal.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is widely expected to give the ministry to someone within his Likud party in order to leave the door open for Ben Gvir to later return to the government. His options are limited, however, since he is likely to face legal hurdles appointing anyone to the role who is currently part of a police investigation — which includes ministers Eli Cohen, Miri Regev and May Golan.

The other ministerial posts held by Otzma Yehudit — Negev and Galilee minister and heritage minister — are also expected to be given to members of Likud.