The Knesset on Monday, 12 Iyar, is expected to vote on a new chairman for the prestigious Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee. The post has been vacant for about a half a year since Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman stepped down to return to his senior cabinet position.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has been unsuccessful in appointing a new chairman since Finance Minister Yair Lapid has been pushing for his man, MK Ofir Shelach. The prime minister now appears interested in rotating two Likud MKs in the post, Yariv Levin and Deputy Foreign Minister Ze’ev Elkin. The prime minister reportedly promised Lapid “a creative solution” if he agrees to withdraw demands to appoint Shelach.

Speaking to Kol Berama Radio’s Moti Lavi on Sunday morning, 11 Iyar, Elkin confirmed he is interested in the post but stated to his knowledge, he does not know if the prime minister has reached a decision. He added that he maintains a good relationship with Levin and there would not be bad blood between them surrounding the committee appointment.

Netanyahu’s plan would compel Elkin to leave his deputy cabinet post and serve as the committee chair until January 2015. He and Levin would rotate the chairmanship post. Tzachi Hanegbi, the prime minister’s original selection for the post, would assume Elkin’s current post of deputy foreign minister.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)