Political pressure mounts on Netanyahu to fill ministerial seats left vacant following the departure of haredi parties from his government.
In a significant development, the ultra-Orthodox Shas and United Torah Judaism parties have withdrawn from the Israeli government, leading to a potential reshuffle of ministerial positions. The Shas party, however, remains part of the broader coalition and has ruled out supporting a no-confidence motion, ensuring government continuity.
The Shas party's decision, made by its Council of Torah Sages on Wednesday night, does not involve the cancellation of property tax discounts or tax credits. Instead, it aims to send a clear message about the importance the draft exemption law holds for Shas.
Several Likud ministers have seized the opportunity, requesting upgrades to the ministries vacated by Shas, specifically targeting the Health, Labor, and Welfare Ministries. Meanwhile, Itamar Ben-Gvir of the Religious Zionist Party has requested the Interior and Housing Ministries. Ben-Gvir's associates have highlighted a concrete policy motive for these portfolios, stating an intention to reduce land prices in the Negev and Galilee regions for reserve soldiers if they control the Housing Ministry.
The Religious Zionist Party is expected to retain the Religious Affairs Ministry following the reshuffle. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, on the other hand, demands that a member of his party be appointed chairman of the Finance Committee, replacing the current Likud member temporarily holding the position. Smotrich wants to replace Likud MK Ofir Katz, who is temporarily filling in for MK Moshe Gafni, who resigned.
The Shas party members have been instructed to hold on to their positions in Knesset committees. Sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu estimate that the Religious Affairs Ministry will be held by the Religious Zionist Party.
This internal tussle within the coalition reflects Likud ministers seeking upgraded roles and other coalition partners aiming to fill the vacated positions, mainly from Shas and United Torah Judaism's former portfolios. The Shas party has not indicated a timeline for when they might leave the coalition.
[1] Itamar Ben-Gvir has requested the Interior and Housing portfolios. [2] Ben-Gvir's associates intend to lower land prices in the Negev and Galilee for reserve soldiers if they control the Housing Ministry. [3] The Shas party members were instructed to hold on to their positions in Knesset committees. [4] Sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu estimate that the Religious Affairs Ministry will be held by the Religious Zionist Party.
[1] The internal struggle within the Israeli coalition is evident as Itamar Ben-Gvir, from the Religious Zionist Party, has asserted his interest in taking over the Interior and Housing Ministries.[2] Ben-Gvir's aim, supported by his associates, is to implement a concrete policy by lowering land prices in the Negev and Galilee regions for reserve soldiers if they control the Housing Ministry.[3] Despite the potential ministerial reshuffle, Shas party members have been advised to maintain their positions in Knesset committees.[4] Sources near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu predict that the Religious Affairs Ministry will be handed over to the Religious Zionist Party following the reshuffle.
