Knesset okays Ramon appointment as minister
Knesset plenum votes for appointing Haim Ramon, Ruhama Avraham ministers and approves cabinet reshuffle. Ramon sworn in as vice premier, Avraham to serve as minister coordinating between government, Knesset
Following the vote, Ramon was sworn in as vice premier, and will replace Shimon Peres, who was recently elected president. Avraham was sworn in as the minister in charge of coordinating between the government and the Knesset.
"Today more than ever, the government represents stability, political solidity and the ability to seriously address the problems at hand," Olmert said after Ramon and Avraham were sworn in. "We are a nation that throws ourselves around and sometimes loses our balance," he added.
"I think the public feels that (Ramon) has returned to his natural place….I very much wanted him in the government," said Olmert. Other members of Knesset clearly felt differently.
Interior Minister Avi Dichter left the plenum and abstained from voting, in protest of Ramon's appointment, due to his conviction earlier this year for forcibly kissing a female soldier. He had previously expressed his opposition to the appointment in government meetings.
Meanwhile, inside the plenum, MKs Zvi Hendel (National Union-National Religious Party) and Arieh Eldad expressed their disapproval by heckling. "It's appropriate for Olmert to choose a vice premier who was convicted in criminal court. After all, he himself is expected to be there, soon," said Eldad.
"Only a corrupt government, devoid of shame and morality, is worthy of beautifying itself with a convicted sex offender," added Hendel.
Earlier Wednesday, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert unveiled a new cabinet lineup which was approved by a large majority of government ministers in a special meeting. "This is not a new government, but rather a continuation of the existing government," he said.
Aides to the prime minister initially said that the cabinet reshuffle would not include former Justice Minister Haim Ramon, but Ramon eventually accepted the vice premier post despite his reservations.
In the new ministerial lineup, Interior Minister Ronnie Bar-On will become finance minister, while his current post will be handed over to Housing Minister Meir Sheetrit. "I am pleased about the appointment of my friend Ronnie Bar-On. I am sure he will fill the position well," said Olmert.
Immigration and Absorption Minister Zeev Boim will receive the Housing portfolio. Minister-without-portfolio Jacob Edery of and Knesset Member Ruhama Avraham of Kadima will be promoted to more senior ministerial posts.
The ministers voted on two different proposals: The appointment of two new ministers – Ramon and Avraham – and the entire cabinet reshuffle. Dichter asked to separate between Ramon and Avraham in the first vote so that he would be able to oppose Ramon's appointment.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that many would have voted like Dichter had the votes been separated.
