Israel's president says far-right lawmaker Ben-Gvir causes worry about Netanyahu mandate

JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on Wednesday that "the whole world is worried" about lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir's far-right positions, local media reported, as he appears poised to become a minister in Benjamin Netanyahu's new coalition government.

Herzog's statement was caught by a microphone that he apparently thought was off as he held consultations with an ultra-Orthodox political party about the next government, expected to be led by former premier Netanyahu following the victory of his right-wing alliance in last week's election.

"You have a partner who the entire world around us is worried about. I have also said this to him. This is really not for publication. I don't want to cause problems," Herzog said on a live mic about Ben-Gvir at the end of the meeting.

"You are going to have a problem with the Temple Mount. That is a critical issue," Herzog said, referring to a flashpoint Jerusalem holy site known to Muslims as the al-Aqsa mosque compound.

Ben-Gvir, who was convicted in 2007 of racist incitement against Arabs and backing a group considered by Israel and the United States to be a terrorist organization, supports Jewish prayer at the sacred compound, challenging the historic status quo.

The ultranationalist politician - who wants to be police minister - has raised alarm among Palestinians and Arab neighbours who fear his inclusion in government could stoke Middle East tensions.

Ben-Gvir has been credited with building support for Netanyahu's far-right bloc in parliament. The new government is likely to be one of the most right-wing in the state's history.

Herzog's office later said that the president had discussed these concerns with Ben-Gvir directly.

A spokesperson for Ben-Gvir did not immediately respond to a request for comment. According to local media, Ben-Gvir said that he has had "many fruitful conversations" with the president and that he intends to explain his Jewish Power party's positions.

The president's consultations with political parties will continue over the coming days. He will tap a candidate to assemble a government on Sunday, his office said.

Last week's election saw Netanyahu end a stalemate after five elections in less than four years. Along with smaller far-right and religious parties, his Likud party took 64 seats in the 120-seat parliament, giving Netanyahu a solid majority and easing the process of forming a government.

(Reporting by Henriette Chacar; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Cynthia Osterman)