One of the ministerial portfolios that appears to be in demand is that of the Ministry of Religious Services. Both Shas and Bayit Yehudi are firm in their requests to control the nation’s religious services. Bayit Yehudi, which controls the ministry today, assumes it will continue. Shas leader Aryeh Deri however has signaled his party may make entering the coalition dependent on receiving the religious portfolio.

Likud MK Yariv Levin, who is likely to be in the party’s coalition negotiating team, remains optimistic. He explains that currently there is nothing concrete, adding coalition talks haven’t yet begun officially. He feels that once talks begin, the issue of the ministry is not unsolvable.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)