Elkin said to be furious after losing Strategic Affairs Ministry

Likud MK Ze’ev Elkin is said to be furious over the prime minister’s decision to transfer the Strategic Affairs Ministry from him to Gilad Erdan. Elkin, according to Ynet, did not take part in the telephone poll of ministers whereby Erdan’s appointment was approved.

Initially, there was uncertainty as to whether Elkin would attend Erdan’s swearing-in, but his associates say he will be at the Knesset. Erdan is expected to be sworn in this evening.

Elkin wanted the Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs in lieu of the Strategic Affairs Ministry, but Netanyahu did not immediately agree. Netanyahu promised Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat before the election that he would not appoint a minister in charge of Jerusalem affairs, which was also why Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett did not receive the position.