Shas leader Aryeh Deri's promotion to interior minister delayed

A source close to Deri said the appointment would be brought to the cabinet "soon." He denied the reports that the appointments were to take place Sunday.

By GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN
Updated: JANUARY 4, 2016 01:30
Arye Deri (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Arye Deri
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
The expected cabinet vote on the appointment of Shas leader Arye Deri as minister of interior did not take place Sunday.
A source close to Deri said the appointment would be brought to the cabinet “soon.” He denied the reports that the appointments were to take place Sunday.
“They did not postpone the appointment,” Deri’s spokesman said. “It was not supposed to happen today. I am not responsible for every false report in the press that does not come from me.”
Deri was convicted of bribery, fraud and breach of trust the last time he held the portfolio. He was forced to resign in 1993 amid a corruption investigation, after five years as interior minister.
In 2000, he was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison, but he was released after 22 months.
In addition to Deri’s appointment, current Tourism Minister Yariv Levin is expected to be appointed as economy minister and current coalition chairman Tzachi Hanegbi as tourism minister. The appointments are expected to be made on a day when no major terrorist attack has taken place, as otherwise they would be seen as inappropriate.