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Bennett's plan B: Education Ministry

Having garnered fewer votes than expected in the recent election, HaBayit HaYehudi leader Naftali Bennett has put out the word that he'll settle for the Education Ministry, instead of the Foreign Ministry — raising concerns about whether he can serve as “everyone’s” education minister.
Israel's Economy Minister Naftali Bennett (L), head of far-right Jewish Home party, arrives at a shopping mall to campaign in the southern city of Ashkelon February 3, 2015. Young and ambitious, with a ready smile and a quick wit, Israeli far right leader Bennett is on a mission to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state. If, as widely expected, he takes on defence or another key portfolio after next month's election, that mission will take a big step closer to fulfilment, something his critics say coul
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Naftali Bennett’s spokesmen on April 25 announced that the HaBayit HaYehudi chairman had informed the prime minister that he was willing to forfeit the Foreign Ministry portfolio, and instead asked for the Education Ministry. In addition, they said that Bennett had met with former education ministers and CEOs, as well as with school principals.

The day after, Bennett’s associates continued to provide tidbits to the media that were intended to reinforce his miraculous love story with the Education Ministry. This is the same ministry he initially refused to accept at the onset of the coalition negotiations.

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