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Prime Minister Ehud Olmert talks to Defense Minister Ehud Barak at the special cabinet meeting at the Knesset where he announced the new ministers appointments, July 4 2007. (Photo: Ariel Jerozolimski/Flash90)
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| By Israel Insider staff July 5, 2007 |
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Yesterday's cabinet reshuffle, especially with the appointment of Vice Premier Haim Ramon, has doomed Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's government, Labor Party ministers charged.
"Ramon is a man who generates infighting and he will inevitably spar with Barak, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Strategic Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman. His mistaken appointment will lead to the end of Olmert's government. The first fireworks are weeks away. The countdown has begun," stated a source close to Defense Minister Ehud Barak.
Labor ministers charged that Ramon's ambiguously defined roles in diplomacy and security will cause him to clash with both Barak and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. Barak has reportedly promised no to let Ramon have access to issues of security.
Olmert praised the government reorganization as stabilizing while toasting the new appointments in Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik's office.
"The government is more stable than ever and more ready than ever to deal seriously with the problems ahead," said Olmert.
"Haim didn't ask anything of me and he is entering the government without conditions. I wanted Haim in the cabinet very much and I think the public feels that Haim has returned to his natural place," he stated.
Olmert's associates also applauded Ramon's appointment as Vice Premier, saying that it would be a vital stabilizing force in the government. They denied that future conflict between Barak and Ramon would be a problem.
"We tried not to harm anyone or to start new fights," said one Olmert associate. "Everyone is happy, the rebellions have been averted, stability has been achieved and a message has been sent that this government is not going anywhere."
In other appointments, Roni Bar-On, a supporter of Olmert, was named finance minister. Former Construction and Housing Minister Meir Sheetrit, will replace Bar-On as the Interior Minister. Ze'ev Boim will replace Sheetrit. Jacob Edery will replace Boim as Absorption Minister, and will also receive the Negev and Galilee development portfolio from President-elect Shimon Peres. Former Chair of the Knesset House Committee will replace Elderly as minister-without-portfolio and will be responsible for Jerusalem affairs and acting as a liason between the Knesset and the cabinet.
Ramon was indicted for forcibly kissing a female soldier, and thus resigned as justice minister. Three petitions against Ramon's return to the cabinet because of his former sexual misconduct were filed at the High Court Wednesday, though Olmert is confident that this won't affect Ramon's appointment. |
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