Knesset approves reestablishment of Religious Affairs Ministry

The Knesset on Monday approved the reestablishment of the Religious Affairs Ministry, to be headed by MK Yitzhak Cohen (Shas). The motion was passed by a majority of 51 in favor to 37 against. Until the Religious Affairs Ministry was dismantled on the orders of former prime minister Ariel Sharon's government at the end of 2003, it was traditionally controlled by the National Religious Party and Shas. Matthew Wagner contributed to this report.