Netanyahu leaves for Far east, resigns from Communications Ministry
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left for Singapore and Australia on Sunday. Before doing so, however, he handed in his resignation as minister of Communications, which will take effect within 48 hours. By relinquishing control over the portfolio, Netanyahu is seeking to obviate the state's response to the High Court concerning a petition filed by head of the opposition MK Isaac Herzog, claiming that Netanyahu is in a conflict of interest and therefore should be suspended from his position as minister of Communications.
The Knesset is expected to approve Netanyahu's interim replacement, Minister Minister of Regional Cooperation Tzachi Hanegbi (Likud), by phone as the new minister of Communications. Hanegbi will then fill this role for the next three months.
Maintaining the communications portfolio has been a priority for Netanyahu, who has insisted of keeping it despite sustained criticism since his most recent government was formed.
