Health Minister Ya'acov Litzman will reportedly leave his post for a new cabinet position following weeks of criticism of his handling of the coronavirus crisis.
Litzman, co-head of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party, will likely be moved over to the Housing and Construction portfolio following the formation of the next government.
It was reported that Blue & White is expected to ask for the Health portfolio and while it was earlier expected to trade the Foreign Ministry for it and make MK Gabi Ashkenazi the next minister of health.
Blue & White officials said on Saturday that the party wanted the post for a professional appointment.
An official in Litzman’s office told in response that “talk and rumours like this did not start today,” adding that “There is pressure from here and there,” but that “no decision has been made.”
Litzman met with Netanyahu on Thursday afternoon to discuss the issue, which had been previously discussed due to Blue and White’s original demands that it take control of the Health Ministry, demands which were then rejected.
The minister has been criticized for his handling of the coronavirus epidemic, especially around the circumstances which have led to him and his wife becoming infected with the virus.
First published: 21:19, 04.25.20