Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday began holding consultations on who to appoint as foreign and immigrant absorption ministers.
Netanyahu, who, until now, has also filled the post of foreign minister, must relinquish the portfolio after having assumed the role of defense minister as well, in the wake of Avigdor Lieberman's surprise resignation last week.
Upon resigning, Lieberman withdrew his Yisrael Beytenu party from the coalition, prompting the consequent resignation of Immigrant Absorption Minister Sofa Landver, also a member of Yisrael Beytenu.
According to Likud sources, Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz is the front-runner for the coveted role of foreign minister, as his appointment would cement various political alliances within Likud.
This move, however, may vex Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, who has previously been assured by Netanyahu that he would be next in line should any of the government's top positions, such as that of foreign minister, become available.
Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely, meanwhile, has expressed her desire to be named immigrant absorption minister in Landver's place.
If Hotovely is in fact named minister, Likud MK Amir Ohana is said to be the front-runner to fill the deputy foreign minister spot she will vacate.
Speaking to top Likud officials Monday, Netanyahu voiced concern that in light of the narrow 61 MK majority that the coalition now holds, reshuffling ministerial portfolios may prove challenging.
The prime minister's main concern is that given the razor-thin majority, any single minister or MK who is interested in a promotion could easily set off another coalition crisis by opposing the proposed nominations.
