The new government will have 32 ministers, swelling to 36 once the coronavirus crisis is over, according to the coalition agreement issued late Monday. That will make it the largest government in Israeli history.
Likud incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu will continue as prime minister for the first 18 months, to be succeeded by Blue and White leader Benny Gantz. Gantz will be acting prime minister for the first 18 months, and Netanyahu will be acting prime minister for the second 18 months.
Cabinet positions will be divided equally between the Netanyahu- and Gantz-led blocs. Each bloc will also have eight deputy ministers.
Among the likely ministers:
Defense Minister: Gantz
Finance Minister: Israel Katz (Likud)
Foreign Minister: Gabi Ashkenazi (Blue and White)
Justice Minister: Avi Nissenkorn (Blue and White)
Housing and construction: Reserved for a Likud MK
Education: Reserved for a Likud MK
Economy: Amir Peretz (Labor)
Social welfare: Itzik Shmuli (Labor)
Public Security: Miri Regev (Likud)
Health: Yaakov Litzman (United Torah Judaism)
Education: Reserved for a Yamina MK, if Yamina joins the coalition
Transportation: Reserved for a Likud MK
Interior: Aryeh Deri (Shas)
Absorption: Pnina Tamano-Shata (Blue and White)
Culture: Either Assaf Zamir or Miki Haimovich (Blue and White)
Communications: Orit Farkash Hacohen (Blue and White) or Yoaz Hendel (Derekh Eretz)
Knesset Speaker: Yariv Levin (Likud)
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From the Liveblog of
Monday, April 20, 2020
