Miri Regev
Miri RegevFlash 90

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has told MK Miri Regev that she will be the Minister of Culture and Sport in the next government. The appointment of Regev immediately caused shock waves in the artistic community, which is notoriously snobbish and leftist. Regev's direct style has made her an object of derision and mockery among leftists, and predictably, comedian Gavri Banai of the legendary "Gashash" trio reacted by calling her a behema, or beast.

Another member of the trio, Shayke Levy, told Walla: "How do I feel about the appointment? I am out of feelings. I am empty of feelings. I don't know where it is leading us. I really don't know where it is leading. This one is Justice Minister, that one is Culture Minister. It seems the world is about to be destroyed. It must be the end of the world, so they are distributing the loot and that's all. I think it's a loss of direction. They don't know what to do." 

Singer Ahinoam Nini responded: "Miri Regev as Culture Minister? I don't believe it. Shock and amazement." 

Other Likud appointments have been finalized: MK Haim Katz will be Minister of Welfare and Social Services.

MK Danny Danon will be Minister of Science, Technology and Space.

"It is a great privilege for me to serve the citizens of Israel as a member of the 34th government of Israel,” Danon stated. As Minister of Science, Technology and Space, I will advance the socio-economic issues that we committed to our voters that we would do.”

Netanyahu also told Moshe Yaalon that he will continue to be Israel's Defense Minister, and agreed with Deputy Minister Ofir Akunis that he will be “a minister in the Communications Ministry.”

In addition the prime minister told Minister Yuval Steinitz that he is appointing him as “Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and also Minister in Charge of Nuclear Energy, and a member of the Security-Diplomacy cabinet.

Minister Gilad Erdan reportedly called Netanyahu at night and informed him that if he doesn't get the portfolios he demanded – the Interior Ministry and the Ministry for Public Security – he will not take part in the next government. 

MK Tzipi Hotovely will be Deputy Foreign Minister.