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Former Finance Minister Abraham Hirchson. (Photo: Michal Fattal/Flash90)
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| By Israel Insider staff July 1, 2007 |
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After the resignation of former Finance Minister Abraham Hirchson Sunday, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert offered the position Sunday to current Interior Minister Ronnie Bar-On, reported Ynetnews Sunday.
Meir Sheetrit, currently serving as the Construction and Housing Minister, is set to replace Bar-On, and Jacob Edery is set to replace Sheetrit.
Olmert is also planning to appoint Haim Ramon as Vice Premier and a Minister-without-Portfolio. According to sources within Kadima, Ramon's chances of being appointed as the new finance minister had been hurt due to his conviction for sexual harassment, and the current outcry caused by former President Moshe Katsav's plea bargain.
Suspended Finance Minister Abraham Hirchson, who is being investigated for his suspected embezzlement from the Nili organization (a non-profit associated with the National Workers' Organization), submitted his resignation Sunday. His resignation will take effect Tuesday at 9 in the morning.
Hirchson suspended himself two months ago in an effort to combat charged against him.
"I promised my family I would devote all my time to clearing my name. Unfortunately, the path toward proving my innocence is long and depends on many people who I am waiting for to finish their work. Out of personal responsibility, I am resigning to clear the way for a new finance minister, who can devote his full effort to helping the economy grow and fighting unemployment and poverty," wrote Hirchson his letter of resignation.
In his resignation letter, Hirchson thanked Olmert, who believed in his innocence, for his support.
During Sunday's cabinet meeting, Olmert commended Hirchson for "putting the good of the country ahead of his own personal interest." |
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