Seeking to mend broken fences, Likud Premier-designate Binyamin Netanyahu is working to create a cabinet post that will be deemed appropriate by Silvan Shalom, his long-standing party rival.

Realizing he will no longer receive the foreign ministry post, Shalom has picked up efforts to amass support for his internal opposition, angered after learning the foreign ministry post was given to Yisrael Beitenu’s Avigdor Lieberman. Shalom during recent weeks repeatedly released remarks that if passed over for foreign minister he would prefer to remain outside of the cabinet.

Some of the Shalom faction supporters are threatening to rock the party from within, perhaps even breaking away, reminding Netanyahu that Shalom’s position may be weakened somewhat as compared to a number of years ago, but he still leads the largest faction within Likud and therefore, alienating him may have widespread ramifications.

One proposal being considered by the prime minister is given Shalom control over two ministries, suggesting industry & trade as well as transportation. It would seem that the good of the nation, having a fulltime minister, must take a backseat to appeasing Shalom’s ego, some opponents to such a situation retorted angrily.
 
Supporters of Shalom insist that he is the most experienced, has represented Israel as foreign minister in the past, and is most suited for the position. By all accounts, it is too late and it is now clear that Shalom will not be serving as foreign minister in the next administration.

Dr. Yuval Shteinitz, who is slated to become a minister in the new government and viewed as Netanyahu’s strongest supporter, told Channel 1 News that Shalom and his supporters are acting irresponsibly, pointing out now is the time for unity, not actions that will create a split in the party.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)