Blue and White officials in recent weeks had promised to cede several ministerial portfolios, so as not to lend a hand to an over-sized government. The party's portfolio allotment, however, as announced by party chairman Benny Gantz last Thursday, presents an entirely different picture.
Gantz ultimately decided to use all the portfolios at his disposal, except for the minority affairs minister, who he plans to name in the coming days. It should be said on Gantz's behalf, though, that unlike the "war of portfolios" and unrest within the Likud party, he has actually managed to satisfy the majority of his MK and admirably traverse the allotment challenge. Most of his party mates received a portfolio or committee chairmanship position suitable to their professional backgrounds.
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Only MK Miki Haimovich, who had hoped for the Ministry of Agriculture, has been on the losing end thus far after it was given to MK Alon Schuster. Haimovich, the highest-ranking woman in Blue and White, will be appointed to chair the Internal Affairs and Environment Committee.
In the Likud, meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to give the Education Ministry to Yoav Gallant. The former IDF GOC Southern Command will also be a member of the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet.
"I'm happy to announce I've decided to appoint Minister Gallant to head the Education Ministry. Minister Gallant has done a great deal on behalf of Israel's security in the various positions in which he has served in the IDF, and today as a member of the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet… Israel has many challenges ahead and together we will continue to work to enhance Israel's strength and security," Netanyahu said.
On Saturday, Netanyahu also appointed Minister Gila Gamliel to head the Environmental Protection Ministry. She will leave the Ministry of Social Equality.
MK Eli Cohen, formerly of the Kulanu party, will be the next head of the Intelligence Services Ministry.
MK Avi Dichter, who on Thursday had threatened to boycott the next government's swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, if he didn't receive a senior portfolio, met with Netanyahu late into the night on Saturday. Minister Tzahi Hanegbi, who wasn't summoned to meet with Netanyahu, issued a similar warning, although it still wasn't clear they would receive portfolios to their liking.
Also up in the air is the future of Minister Yuval Steinitz, who will be leaving the Energy Ministry. Steinitz, long considered one of Netanyahu's closest political allies, could find himself on the outside looking in at the next government.
