Knesset approves Mofaz' ministerial appointment

The Knesset plenum has approved the government's request to appoint MK Shaul Mofaz as a minister-without-portfolio and a deputy prime minister, with 71 Knesset members voting in favor of the measure and 23 opposing. He was consequently sworn in.

Earlier in the session, PM Benjamin Netanyahu denied claims he had made secret deals with Kadima: "During the negotiations, there was talk about possibilities that could occur in the future. These (discussions) never reached the point of agreement. Any option that will reach that point will be reported, as per the law, including the possibility that Kadima members are to be appointed as minister in the future." (Ynet)