Shas’ Council of Torah Sages did not announce the party’s cabinet appointments on Wednesday, 24 Iyar as planned. One of the issues at hand is that none of Shas’ MKs are willing to serve as Minister of Religious Services. Hence, the Torah council did not convene and a decision will have to be made Thursday as the new cabinet is set to be sworn in at 19:00.

As things appear at present, Yitzchak Cohen will serve as a deputy minister or possibly a minister assigned to the treasury. Deri will serve as Minister of Religious Services, Minister of Galil & Negev Development and Minister of the Economy. David Azoulai is likely to become the Deputy Minister of Religious Services.

Shas’ Council is likely to convene on Thursday or possibly Deri will visit with some of the rabbonim in the hope of reaching a decision.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)