Three Likud lawmakers received ministerial portfolios Monday morning, including Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely, who was appointed Diaspora Affairs Minister; Regional Cooperation Minister Tzahi Hanegbi, who will now also serve as Minister of Agriculture; and Science and Technology Minister Ofir Akunis, who will now also serve as Labor and Welfare Minister.
Netanyahu vowed not to retain any portfolio, while continuing to serve as premier, following a court petition by the Movement for Quality Government in Israel which called for Netanyahu to be barred from serving in any ministry while under indictment.
In addition to the three ministerial appointments, Deputy Interior Minister Meshulam Nahari (Shas) was appointed Deputy Labor and Welfare Minister, ending his term in the Interior Ministry.