On Monday afternoon, former Interior Minister Aryeh Deri (Shas) officially gave his position to his replacement, Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked (Yamina).
Speaking at the official ceremony, Deri said: "The ambition of every incoming minister is not to ruin what others did that needs improvement. In a conversation with Shaked in the room, before the ceremony, I told her that other than the minister's office, there are no political appointments in the ministry."
"This is not the government I expected would be formed," he added. "I expected a right-wing government, but this is the democratic game. I am split in my prayers. On the one hand, I wish Ayelet much success, on the other, as Aryeh Deri, I promise to do everything to ensure that this government falls quickly."
Shaked said: "In the coalition negotiations, I was able to choose which ministry I wanted, and I chose to come here. The Interior Ministry is one of the most important ministries in the State of Israel. As the Justice Minister, I sat with representatives of the Interior [Ministry] and I saw how important it is to every citizen and to society in Israel. Today we are here without masks and without coronavirus - because the local authorities have done a good job."
"I will adopt the decision of Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, and I will appoint ministers over hundreds and over thousands. I will give authority to local authorities. The State of Israel is a Jewish state; I will work with all my might to implement a responsible emigration policy, while providing an appropriate solution for solid humanitarian situations. I will work to bring the infiltrators back to their countries, and to encourage voluntary exit from Israel to safe third countries."
Noting that "the State of Israel has been in the midst of a housing crisis for many years already," Shaked added that the Interior Ministry "has many tools which can provide an appropriate solution for this crisis."
"I will work vigorously to shorten and speed up the planning processes," she promised.
The new Interior Minister also promised to implement a reform to ease bureaucracy for business owners and the self-employed.
"I believe that we must work with all our might to fix warps in bureaucracy, reduce regulations, create cooperation between the various bodies of government, reduce the gaps between the various sectors in the population, protect the State's borders and character, and above all else, protect the welfare and security of Israel's citizens," she concluded.