There is already some speculation that Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Lieberman will appoint an outside minister, someone from outside his party � not just someone but a chareidi.
Lieberman and former Shas leader R� Aryeh Deri are close associates, dating back at least to the days of Binyamin Netanyahu�s previous tenure as prime minister, when Lieberman served as his director-general, running affairs in the Prime� Minister�s Office. The relationship took off and they maintain a good working relationship to this very day.
Such an appointment would have to be on hold until Elul, when Deri�s �moral turpitude� stain expires, permitting him to hold public office. One of the many questions is if the coalition will permit holding a post open that long, or perhaps appoint a minister who would then step down for Deri.
One of the obvious advantages to such a move is that Lieberman would squelch the cries against him, accusing him of being anti-chareidi. It would be quite the feat � a secular party using one of its ministerial posts to appoint an outsider, a chareidi no less.
Nevertheless, there is already a buzz of such a possibility becoming reality, but for now, it remains in the realm of speculation.
(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)
