With coalition talks continuing and Kadima likely to lead the opposition, right-wing hardliner Avigdor Lieberman seeks the foreign minister post to add his party, Yisrael Bieteinu, to the Likud-led government. In demanding the post, Lieberman requested ‘full autonomy’ to prevent portions of his portfolio to fall under the jurisdiction of another cabinet position. Aside from the foreign ministry, Netanyahu may appoint an interesting finance minister, himself. Reports indicated that no official sought the post and Netanyahu may seek the position alongside his Prime Minister post in the next government.
Ties may soon end between Israel and Mauritania, one of three Arab countries with full diplomatic relations with Israel. Staff began leaving the Israeli embassy today, with Mauritania heavily criticizing the recent Gaza operation and threatening in January to cease relations. Meanwhile, Israeli and Turkish officials met yesterday to mend recent rifts between the two nations that began shortly following the Gaza offensive.
