United Torah Judaism head Health Minister Yakov Litzman has asked Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to be appointed construction and housing minister in the next government, this after previously stating he would not give up the portfolio his party has been holding since 2009.
The decision reportedly followed scathing criticism that Litzman has been facing over his office's handling of the coronavirus crisis.
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Several weeks ago the minister tested positive for the virus, sending dozens of top officials, including Netanyahu, into self-isolation and fueling criticism that he himself has been violating the social distancing directive imposed on the public. Litzman, 71, has since made a full recovery.
According to Channel 12 News, the growing public criticism has prompted Gerrer Rebbe Yaakov Aryeh Alter, the spiritual leader of UJT, to endorse the change in portfolios.
Under the coalition deal hammered out between Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz earlier this week, the Construction and Housing portfolio had been expected to be transferred to the Blue and White. It is unclear at this time what Gantz's position on the matter is, but as during the corona crisis thus far the party has demanded Litzman be replaced, it is unlikely he would oppose the move.
United Torah Judaism refused to comment on the report. A party insider later told Israel Hayom that "this is just a rumor."
If Litzman is given the Construction and Housing portfolio, it could open the door for Yamina leader Naftali Bennett to get the Health portfolio.
Currently the defense minister, Bennett has been praised for his ministry's dealing with the public health crisis. Moreover, this move could resolve a political "headache" for Netanyahu, who has been locking horns with Yamina over the fact that so far, the national-religious faction has not been offered any senior position in the coalition.
