On Tuesday evening, Yuli Edelstein, former Knesset Speaker and high-ranking member of the Likud party, accepted the invitation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to become Israel’s next Health Minister, replacing Yaakov Litzman (UTJ).

Edelstein had received an alternative option of taking over the education ministry which will soon be vacated by Yamina MK Rafi Peretz once the new government is sworn in later this week. Edelstein had expressed a desire to Netanyahu earlier this week to return to his position as the Knesset Speaker, but the move was vetoed by the Blue and White party.

“I am happy that Edelstein accepted my offer and chose this senior portfolio dealing with a critical challenge for Israel,” Netanyahu said on Tuesday.

After serving as the Knesset Speaker for the past seven years, Edelstein said that he decided he could best continue to serve the people and the country by “leading the struggle against the coronavirus and preparing the health system for new challenges.”

In order to sweeten the deal, Netanyahu promised Edelstein a budget increase for the Health Ministry, coming at a time when other ministries, such as the Education Ministry will be facing budget cuts. With the resignation of Director-General Moshe Bar Siman-Tov also taking place on Tuesday, it is expected that Edelstein will select a new Director-General for the Ministry. Bar Siman-Tov is expected to stay on until a proper transition can be made.

As many officials in the Health Ministry have predicted a second wave of the coronavirus hitting Israel by wintertime, Edelstein has his work cut out for him.

Outgoing Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, who will be moving to the Construction and Housing Ministry when the new government is sworn in on Thursday, praised Edelstein’s appointment and called him “fit for this important and challenging post.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)