There is much anger in the political community over the announced appointment of former Minister of Welfare Moshe Kahlon as the new head of the Israel Lands Administration. Kahlon, who is extremely popular in Likud announced he would not be running on the party ticket in the upcoming elections because of his disappointment with the prime minister’s policies.

Less than 36 hours before elections Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced that Kahlon will serve as the new head of the Israel Lands Administration.

The chairman of the Central Election Committee was displeased with the timing of the announcement and news conference, calling it “election propaganda” but nevertheless, it is valid, albeit distasteful. Committee chair Justice Elyakim Rubinstein did prohibit airing the press conference in which Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced the appointment.

The prime minister feels the move may bring additional votes in the elections as he shows he is serious about lowering housing prices in Israel. Earlier in the election campaign Netanyahu announced the Housing Ministry portfolio would remain in Likud/Beitenu hands following elections, and he would not give it to Shas. Outgoing Housing Minister (Shas) Ariel Atias told the media that the prime minister himself prevented him from lowering housing prices more than he did during his tenure.

Kahlon also served as communication minister in the outgoing administration and he is credited with the cellular revolution, bringing the cost of mobile telephones down dramatically. He now promises he can do the same regarding housing prices.

Labor Party leader Shelly Yacimovich stated the last minute appointment clearly signals the panic felt by the prime minister and his party ahead of the Election Day.

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(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)