Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is working hard on Thursday to tie up the loose ends of the his government
In the afternoon, Netanyahu came to an agreement with Moshe Ya’alon whereby, as expected Ya’alon will keep his post as Defense Minister.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister and Deputy Minister Ofir Akunis agreed that Akunis would serve as a minister in the Communications Ministry, although Netanyahu will keep the portfolio for himself.
Earlier on Thursday, the Prime Minister announced that Yuval Steinitz would serve as the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.
In addition, Steinitz will be the government liaison for the Israel Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC) as well as serve as a member of the ministerial political-security cabinet.
The outgoing Intelligence Minister will also, in the coming months, continue to coordinate the handing of the Iranian nuclear issue.
Steinitz was the second Likud minister whose new job was determined. On Wednesday night Netanyahu declared that Yisrael Katz would be appointed both Transportation and Intelligence Minister.
However, the Prime Minister has also faced setbacks and threats as he attempts to dole out the remaining ministries to his Likud party.
Outgoing Interior Minister Gilad Erdan met with Netanyahu on Wednesday night but was denied his request for both the Interior and Public Security Ministries.
Erdan refused Netanyahu’s offer for the Strategic Affairs Ministry, which was merged with the Intelligence Ministry at the beginning of the last government’s term, threatening to bolt from the government if his demands were not met.
The Prime Minister also met Wednesday with MK Miri Regev, who is likely to become a government minister. However, similar to Erdan, their meeting ended without results.