In line with first requests from the United Right-Wing party, Rabbi Rafi Peretz is demanding the Education portfolio and the person in the second slot, held by Betzalel Smotrich, will receive the Justice Ministry portfolio. However, the Likud wants to move Smotrich to another position, and the party is willing to compensate him handsomely towards persuading him to accept another cabinet post.

Likud wishes to appoint its own Yariv Levin as Justice Minister, and the ruling party is therefore offering Smotrich the Housing Ministry with expanded authority. In addition, Likud has been sending a message to Rafi Peretz, that he will receive the Education portfolio as required, seeking to calm negotiations.

In the event Smotrich does not receive the Justice portfolio, another option would be Minister of Public Security, Channel 12 News reported.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)