While Bayit Yehudi party officials were pleased when they secured the Deputy Defense Minister slot for Eli Ben-Dahan, they now explain he has the title but Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon has not given his deputy any authority.

According to a Yisrael Hayom report, Ben-Dahan was given authority to deal with the nation’s mechinot programs as well as giyur in the IDF, which he is expected to work to increase. The report adds that he is responsible for Israeli law is implemented throughout areas of Yehuda and Shomron as well as infrastructure throughout those areas.

However Bayit Yehudi officials explain the minister gave Ben-Dahan a document explaining his authority and responsibility, which is in line with the report, however his authority over those areas is partial at best. In some of the areas on the list he is informed he is not involved and in other areas he is permitted to study the matter and make recommendations to the minister but he may not decide on his own.

Party leader Education Minister Naftali Bennett has reportedly turned to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to speak with Ya’alon as the party feels at present the defense minister is making a mockery of Ben-Dahan’s position and coalition agreements.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)