The High Cour of Justice on Thursday rejected three petitions calling for interim orders to block United Torah Judaism leader Yakov Litzman, Shas leader Aryeh Deri and Kulanu No. 2 Yoav Galant from receiving ministerial positions in the new government. Supreme Court Justice Esther Hayut said there were no grounds for such orders to be issued, and called on the state to issue a response to the three petitions by May 20. Yesh Atid MKs Yael German and Karin Alharar petitioned the High Court of Justice against the appointment of Litzman as deputy health minister, saying the position requires a full-time minister to handle all the tasks the role mandates. It is expected that, as in the 2009-2013 government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will technically serve as health minister, while the ministry would in fact be run by Litzman. No United Torah Judaism member has ever served as a minister, as a matter of principle. German, who resigned as health minister in December 2014, said, "I would be very happy if the Council of Torah Sages would allow MK Litzman to be a minister and not deputy minister. It would be a big achievement for the country and especially the Health Ministry. If not, someone who can be a full-time minister should be appointed." Pointing to the fact that deputy ministers do not attend cabinet meetings, Alharar said that "Appointing MK Litzman as Deputy Health Minister would detract from the ministry's ability to be represented on pressing matters in cabinet meetings." The Movement for Quality Government petitioned the Supreme Court against the appointment of Shas leader Aryeh Deri to a ministry position in light of his previous corruption and bribery convictions, arguing that his appointment would be a blow to the purity of public service, the rule of law and the authorities. The movement also petitioned against Kulanu No. 2 Yoav Galant from receiving the construction portfolio, due to his involvement in a 2010 scandal in which there were claims he usurped public land adjacent to his home in Moshav Amikam. The scandal resulted in the cancellation of Galant's appointment to become IDF chief of staff.
Supreme Court upholds three contested ministry appointments
Justice Esther Hayut says there are no grounds to prevent United Torah Judaism leader Yakov Litzman, Shas leader Aryeh Deri and Kulanu No. 2 Yoav Galant from receiving ministerial positions in next government.
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