Gideon Sa'ar Declines Defense Minister Role Amid Hezbollah Conflict - Might join the government

Chairman of the State Right Party, MK Gideon Sa'ar, has informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of his decision to decline the position of Minister of Defense, citing the current situation with Hezbollah. This marks the first time Sa'ar publicly acknowledged that the offer was extended, despite previous denials from the Prime Minister’s Office.

While stepping back from the Defense Minister role, Sa’ar left the door open to joining the government in a different capacity.

Political Calculations 

Political analysts speculate that Sa’ar’s decision stemmed from the realization that Netanyahu would likely struggle to remove current Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in the midst of the intense military conflict with Hezbollah. Sources close to the negotiations suggest Sa’ar did not want to be left in a "waiting" period, where his role as either an opposition figure or a government minister would remain unclear.

An inside source stated, “Sa’ar felt that the momentum for replacing Gallant had passed. The negotiations were leaked, causing significant damage to the chances of this transition.”

 "I Was Prepared for the Responsibility"

In a statement issued Saturday evening, Sa’ar reflected on his decision, emphasizing his qualifications and readiness to serve in the position. "About a week ago, I agreed to take on the heaviest responsibility under the most difficult conditions," Sa’ar said. He highlighted his deep understanding of Israel’s national security challenges and his confidence in successfully managing the country’s defense.

Despite this, Sa’ar noted that recent developments along the northern border with Hezbollah shifted the dynamics, leading him to renounce the position. He explained, "It is not right to have a Defense Minister ‘on the shelf’ for an indefinite period, especially during such a critical conflict."

Avoiding Distraction Amid Escalation

Sa’ar expressed concern that his potential appointment could distract those managing the conflict, especially amid an "unrestrained campaign of incitement and delegitimization" against him. He concluded, "I will continue to work toward a strategy of determination in all sectors. I hope that the efforts of the last few days will escalate to damage Hezbollah’s strategic capabilities."

Critique of Israel's Security Approach

Sa’ar also used his statement to criticize Israel’s security approach, calling for an "up-to-date security concept" for the country. He warned against appointing someone from within the security establishment, claiming that "systemic concepts have failed" and that Israel needs new ideas to tackle future challenges.

He cited examples of significant failures under military leadership, referencing the October 7 massacre, the Yom Kippur War, and unilateral withdrawals from Gaza and Lebanon as events that resulted in massive bloodshed.

Future Possibilities for Sa'ar

While Sa’ar has stepped away from the immediate possibility of serving as Defense Minister, he has not ruled out joining the government at a later stage. Analysts believe this could occur depending on the length of Netanyahu's term or further changes in Israel’s political landscape.