Interior Minister Roni Bar-On (Kadima) notified Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday that he will not accept the justice portfolio. The post is available following previous Justice Minister Chaim Ramon's conviction last week of having forcibly kissed a female soldier. Ramon resigned upon being indicted, and the post was filled temporarily, first by Housing Minister Meir Sheetrit and then by Livni.
Bar-On explained his decision by saying that the rapid change of justice ministers over the recent period necessitates a candidate from outside of politics who is not subject to the fluctuations of politicking and coalition negotiations. Since the year 2000, the justice portfolio has switched hands six times.
Two possible candidates being mentioned as preferred, in circles close to the prime minister, are former Minister of Education Amnon Rubinstein (Meretz) and the Director of Courts, retired Justice Boaz Okon. Other candidates being considered are former Justice Minister Dan Meridor (Likud) and Professor Uriel Reichman, a founder of the far-left and now-defunct Shinui party.
On Sunday, Olmert stated his intention to appoint a new justice minister within a week.
Olmert is also trying to find a Welfare Minister, after having come under criticism for never having done so since forming his government over nine months ago. He has reportedly offered the post to the Labor Party, in exchange for any other portfolio currently manned by a Labor minister - except for the Ministry of Science and Energy.
Bar-On explained his decision by saying that the rapid change of justice ministers over the recent period necessitates a candidate from outside of politics who is not subject to the fluctuations of politicking and coalition negotiations. Since the year 2000, the justice portfolio has switched hands six times.
Two possible candidates being mentioned as preferred, in circles close to the prime minister, are former Minister of Education Amnon Rubinstein (Meretz) and the Director of Courts, retired Justice Boaz Okon. Other candidates being considered are former Justice Minister Dan Meridor (Likud) and Professor Uriel Reichman, a founder of the far-left and now-defunct Shinui party.
On Sunday, Olmert stated his intention to appoint a new justice minister within a week.
Olmert is also trying to find a Welfare Minister, after having come under criticism for never having done so since forming his government over nine months ago. He has reportedly offered the post to the Labor Party, in exchange for any other portfolio currently manned by a Labor minister - except for the Ministry of Science and Energy.