Report: Gallant May Leave Housing Ministry, Stay in Security Cabinet

The shakeup in Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon’s Kulanu party continued to make news on Monday.

Kahlon reportedly intends to remove Yoav Gallant from his position as housing and construction minister following the latter’s decision to join Likud ahead of the April elections.

The two are scheduled to meet on Monday evening to discuss the matter, according to Hadashot.

While the prime minister has the final say on cabinet appointments, coalition agreements state that he must cede to a request from a party head to fire one of his own ministers.

However, Gallant is expected to receive an appointment as a minister without portfolio in order to allow him to continue serving in the high level security cabinet. Gallant, a former IDF general, is the only former senior military officer in the cabinet.

Also on Monday, Kahlon is to meet at night with Kulanu MK Rachel Azaria. She is expected to submit her resignation from the party as well.

Former ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren has also announced his departure from Kulanu, and possibly from politics altogether.