Many were scratching their heads in bewilderment as Shas faction members all signaled they did not wish to serve as Minister of Religious Services. The position was ultimately given to David Azoulai.

Party leader Aryeh Deri was planning to serve in the post along with being Minister of the Economy and Minister of Galil & Negev Development, but Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein explained it would be difficult defending such a situation if his serving as minister over three ministries is challenged in the High Court. Deri then appointed Azoulai.

However it now appears that while Deri satisfied the attorney general’s suggestion, relinquishing control of that ministry in title, he is not going to hand over the authority to Azoulai, who appears will be minister in title only. Deri placed his hand-picked allies in the senior positions in the ministry, including Avi Amsellem as bureau chief. Amsellem is among the persons closest to Deri back to the days before he was sent to prison.

Even the ministry spokesman was not appointed by Azoulai. Meir Pinchas is close to the head of the Shas Moetzas Gedolei Hatorah HaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen Shlita.

Time will tell what actually occurs but it appears from the onset that while Azoulai is the Minister of Religious Services in title, Aryeh Deri will be running the day-to-day affairs via his hand-selected team.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)