Internal Affairs Minister Lapid? No Thanks!

כ' לחודש האחד עשר תשע"ג

YNET: PM Offers Lapid FM Post or Treasury Portfolio

Netanyahu offers Yesh Atid chairman one of two top cabinet posts, sources say. Analysts believe Lapid in fact keener on housing, internal affairs portfolios

Yuval Karni, Tzvika Brot, and Itamar Eichner
January 25, 1013

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid a choice between the foreign affairs or finance portfolios, sources close to the two said. 

The two met at the prime minister's residence on Thursday away from the public eye in a meeting that kicked off the coalition negotiations. 

In a post on his Facebook page, Lapid said in response: "What's happening now is neither a coalition negotiation nor the beginning of one.  What's most important is patience." 

Big Winner: Yesh Atid Party Founder Yair Lapid, very pleased with himself

He further added, "I didn't come for a (ministry) seat, because I already have one." 

I'm not sure what that means,...that he's guaranteed one if his party joins the government's coalition?

Sources close to Netanyahu and Lapid said that the Yesh Atid chairman was also offered the defense portfolio but that he has no interest in it. Lapid is being pressured not to take the finance portfolio in light of the current economic situation and the deep budget deficit, sources said.

Nevertheless, it was noted that should he accept the proposal he may bring in an outside candidate. Conversely, it appears that Lapid is not so keen on accepting the foreign minister position.

Political analyst Sima Kadmon wrote in her Yedioth Ahronoth column that the Yesh Atid chairman finds the housing or internal affairs portfolios more appropriate in light of his party's campaign. (cont.)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
It is well known that Lapid supports housing subsides.  I believe very strongly, that as Housing Minister, Lapid, son of the venomously anti-Torah, late MK Yosef "Tommy" Lapid, would use his position to create, a "balance," in his mind in the housing subsides.

That me very well and good, but I predict a fall in Haredi housing and rise in young couple (Read: non-religious couples) subsides specifically in Jerusalem.  The anti-Torah, Left may want Jerusalem to remain as Israel's capital.  But, it sees it as the ultimate symbolic prize in its quest for the de-Juification of the Jewish State.

Worse yet, as Internal Affairs Minister, watch for Lapid to continue his attack on Torah: 

1. The acceptance of "Conservative" and "Reform" as full-fledged religious denominations, and thus their "rabbis" and their pseudo-conversions, for the purposes of nationality.

2. Watch for kosher converts to have even more hoops to jump through, in order to gain Israeli citizenship.

3. Lapid may not be a fan of illegal aliens entering Israel, but what about foreign workers?  Would he use his position to extend visas, prevent deportations, and push for special right for foreign workers, and their children born in Israel?

4. Watch for easier acceptance and registration of marriages, forbidden under Jewish Law.