While Binyamin Netanyahu is working in earnest to provide solutions for the nation’s economic woes, do not believe for a moment that the incoming cabinet will in any way reflect today’s difficult economic realities. The new administration promises to be a record-breaker, having ministers to oversee every aspect of public life as the prime minister uses his creative abilities to find and make posts around the cabinet table for all the coalition partners.

As such, having given a fair share of the creamy portion of the pie to Yisrael Beitenu, the prime minister must find a portfolio that is deemed respectable enough for his all stars. This includes Dan Meridor, who is a product of the Likud elite, a son of one of the party’s founding fathers, who abandoned ship a number of years ago to join the now-defunct Center Party, and today, seeking his way back home.

Meridor represents the centrist/left  line in the party, and he will in all likelihood become the minister of strategic affairs, a post that was tailor made in the past for Avigdor Lieberman, who demanded a prestigious post for his party’s entry into the cabinet. Since there were no choice slots available, one was created.

When Lieberman left the coalition 2008 the ministry was shut. The government will once again infuse life into the ministry, which in the past handled matters including liaison to the United States on matters of intelligence and intelligence agencies. After Meridor failed to land a position in the Likud’s top-ten lineup, Netanyahu announced that he will nonetheless be placed in a senior cabinet post, adding party position is irrelevant to him regarding the matter of cabinet appointments.

In the past, Meridor served as a minister of finance, justice, and under Ariel Sharon, was responsible for the intelligence communities. His new task will once again involve this area.

It was first believed that Meridor would become justice minister again, but that decision was placed in the hands of Yisrael Beitenu as per coalition agreements.

In response to the information, Meridor on Monday stated he does not know what position he will be given, but added he will happily accept whatever is given to him.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)