MK (Likud) Gilad Erdan, who enjoys widespread popularity among Likud Central Committee members, landed the first slot behind Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in the party’s primary elections. As such, Erdan expects a boost in his ministerial status in the incoming administration, Israel’s 34th Government.

NRG reported that Erdan has presented his ultimatum to the prime minister in their meeting to discuss the cabinet appointments. According to the report, Erdan wishes to serve as both Minister of the Interior and Minister of Public Security. Some report that he is demanding to serve as Foreign Minister, promising if the coalition is expanded he would step down but the prime minister refused this outright.

If Erdan does not receive the positions he seeks, he will then step down from Knesset and ask to be appointed as Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, NRG adds.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)