With elections for the 22nd Knesset set for September 17, 2019, the transitional government continues to run the nation’s affairs. That said, Prime Minister has made some changes, including the firing of two members of the cabinet, Education Minister Naftali Bennet and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, both members of the New Right party which failed to enter Knesset in the last elections. However, since a new coalition was not formed, and the current Knesset dissolved, the two had continued serving as ministers from the 20th Knesset until elections and formation of the next coalition in the 22nd Knesset.

According to the News13 report, Netanyahu has discussed new appointments with persons close to him, making changes to the transitional government which will be in place until the September elections.

According to Walla, the Justice Ministry would likely go to MK Bezalel Smotrich, who had demanded the post during coalition talks before the calling of new elections last week, while the Education Ministry would likely end up with URWP leader Rafi Peretz.

The report also stated the prime minister is also considering moving Yoav Gallant from his post as Minister of Immigration & Absorption, to a more prestigious post, and giving the immigration portfolio to Minister Ze’ev Elkin, who speaks Russian. The report explains Netanyahu feels this may attract some of the Russian-speaking voters who may have backed Yisrael Beitenu in the last election, which is headed by Avigdor Lieberman, another Russian speaker.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)