Netanyahu yet to name foreign minister; Likud’s Barkat, Distel Atbaryan, Chikli get roles

Hours before Israel swears in its 37th government, incoming prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to announce who his foreign minister will be.

Rumored to be in the running for the job are Likud MKs Israel Katz and Eli Cohen, as well as former ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer.

Most other ministerial appointments have been announced, although still vacant are the posts of energy minister, regional cooperation minister, intelligence minister and strategic affairs minister. Besides that, additional appointments could be announced if Netanyahu decides to tap lawmakers as ministers within an existing ministry.

That happened this morning, when he said Likud loyalist Galit Distel Atbaryan would be a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, with yet-undisclosed responsibilities.

Also in recent hours, Likud’s Nir Barkat was announced as the next economy and industry minister.

Late last night, Likud MK Amichai Chikli, who defected from Yamina last year, was announced as the incoming minister of Diaspora affairs and social equality.