The Cabinet approved the appointment today of three Likud ministers to take over government ministries that were vacated last month as a result of Prime Minister Sharon's disengagement policy. The Housing Ministry, which has been chief-less since the resignation of NRP leader Effie Eitam in protest of the disengagement plan, will be headed by Tzippy Livny. In the wake of the firing of Ministers Lieberman and Elon of the National Union Party, the Transportation Ministry will be headed by Minister Meir Sheetrit, while Gideon Ezra will take over the Tourism Ministry. These appointments have been made on a temporary, three-month basis - leaving the door open for Labor to enter the coalition and receive these ministries. Tzippy Livny was also appointed to the Committee for the Appointment of Judges, replacing Benny Elon.
Sderot Mayor Eli Moyal took part in today's meeting, and the Cabinet approved a 40-million shekel package of benefits to Sderot. Welfare Minister Zevulun Orlev (NRP) asked that Gush Katif, on which have fallen more than ten times as many Kassams and mortar shells over the past three years as on Sderot, also receive the benefits; he was turned down. He was similarly rebuffed in protesting the new ministerial appointments, which he claimed would "sharpen the split in the NRP" and lead to increased calls for him to quit the coalition.
The Cabinet also discussed the question today of who should carry out the evacuation of Jewish communities - the police or the army. Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz says the police should do it, while Public Security Minister Tzachi HaNegbi, under which the police department operates, says it's the army's job. Asked their ministerial opinions before today's meeting, Ehud Ehud Olmert (Likud) said both options are justified, Zevulun Orlev (NRP) said he'd think about it, and Yosef Paritzky (Shinui) said the army should do the job.
Sderot Mayor Eli Moyal took part in today's meeting, and the Cabinet approved a 40-million shekel package of benefits to Sderot. Welfare Minister Zevulun Orlev (NRP) asked that Gush Katif, on which have fallen more than ten times as many Kassams and mortar shells over the past three years as on Sderot, also receive the benefits; he was turned down. He was similarly rebuffed in protesting the new ministerial appointments, which he claimed would "sharpen the split in the NRP" and lead to increased calls for him to quit the coalition.
The Cabinet also discussed the question today of who should carry out the evacuation of Jewish communities - the police or the army. Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz says the police should do it, while Public Security Minister Tzachi HaNegbi, under which the police department operates, says it's the army's job. Asked their ministerial opinions before today's meeting, Ehud Ehud Olmert (Likud) said both options are justified, Zevulun Orlev (NRP) said he'd think about it, and Yosef Paritzky (Shinui) said the army should do the job.