Israeli Election Candidates Eye Key Ministerial Posts
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
As Israel's election approaches, the "number two" candidates on party lists are positioning themselves for key ministerial roles. Yoram Cohen, former Shin Bet head, is second on the Yisrael! list, while Energy Minister Eli Cohen seeks the Finance Ministry for Likud. Yair Lapid aims for Foreign Affairs with Yesh Atid, and Naama Lazimi targets Education for the Democrats. Other candidates, including Rafi Ben Shitrit, Tali Gottlieb, Yinon Azulai, Yitzhak Goldknopf, Ahmad Tibi, Moshe Feiglin, Yoav Segalovitz, Yaron Zelekha, Yosef Haddad, and Pnina Tamano-Shata, are also vying for significant positions or focusing on specific policy goals within their respective parties.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- Key "number two" candidates in Israeli parties are vying for significant ministerial portfolios in the upcoming government.
- Former Shin Bet head Yoram Cohen is second on the Yisrael! list, potentially seeking National Security.
- Energy Minister Eli Cohen aims for the Finance Ministry as Likud's second-ranked candidate.
- Opposition Leader Yair Lapid seeks the Foreign Affairs portfolio for the Yesh Atid-Bennet alliance.
- Naama Lazimi targets the Education Ministry for the Democrats party.
- Tali Gottlieb of Otzma Yehudit wants the Justice Ministry.
- Rafi Ben Shitrit of Yisrael Beiteinu is focused on a state inquiry into the October 7th events.
With Israel's 26th Knesset elections just 12 days away, political parties are intensifying their campaigns, with leaders actively engaging in public discourse. While voters often focus on the party leader, the individuals placed second on each party's list, often referred to as the "number two," hold significant influence and are positioned to demand key ministerial portfolios should their party join a coalition government. Some of these figures are well-known, potentially drawing voters themselves, while others are less familiar to the general public.
Among the prominent "number twos" is former Shin Bet head Yoram Cohen, who is second on the Yisrael! party list. While he has not specified a desired portfolio, his background suggests he may seek the National Security (Internal Security) portfolio. Eli Cohen, the current Energy Minister and second on the Likud list after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has declared his intention to seek the Finance Ministry, citing his business experience and accounting background.
Yair Lapid, former Prime Minister and current Opposition Leader, is second on the unified Yesh Atid-Bennet list. He has stated his desire to reclaim the Foreign Affairs portfolio, emphasizing its importance in light of international crises and strained relations with Europe. Naama Lazimi, who secured the second spot on the Democrats' list, aims for the Education Ministry, highlighting its crucial role in shaping Israel's future.
Rafi Ben Shitrit, whose son fell on October 7th, is second on the Yisrael Beiteinu list and has not yet declared a specific portfolio but is focused on establishing a state inquiry commission for the October 7th events. Knesset Member Tali Gottlieb, now second on the Otzma Yehudit list, intends to pursue the Justice Ministry, aiming to dismiss the current Attorney General and alter the judicial appointment process. Yinon Azulai is second on the Shas list, and while he hasn't specified a role, Shas typically seeks portfolios such as Welfare, Interior, or Religious Services.
Yitzhak Goldknopf, former Minister of Construction and Housing, is second on the United Torah Judaism list and has not specified a portfolio, though the party often secures roles like Construction and Housing or the chairmanship of the Finance Committee. Ahmad Tibi, second on the Joint List, is not seeking a ministerial role, as is customary for Arab parties that do not typically join "Zionist" governments, focusing instead on parliamentary positions.
Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party, is second on the Religious Zionism list and advocates for closing several government ministries, though he has also expressed interest in the Defense portfolio. Retired Major General Yoav Segalovitz, the first Jew to join the Ra'am party, is expected to be appointed a project manager to combat crime and violence in the Arab community if Ra'am joins or supports a government. Professor Yaron Zelekha, who seeks the Finance Ministry, is second on the merged Reservists and Economics list, contingent on the list passing the electoral threshold. Activist Yosef Haddad, second on the Am Israel party list, aims to become the first Arab minister in the War Cabinet and seeks the Information portfolio. Knesset Member Pnina Tamano-Shata is second on the National Unity party list but is unlikely to be elected to the next Knesset.