Yosef Burg, who served in virtually every Israeli government since 1948, received a warm, emotional farewell from his colleagues at Sunday’s Cabinet meeting. Burg, 77, submitted his resignation to Premier Shimon Peres last Friday and it became effective 48 hours later, according to the law.
His last portfolio was Religious Affairs Minister. His successor, former Education Minister Zevulun Hammer, selected by the National Religious Party, is expected to be approved by the Knesset Tuesday. Hammer, leader of the NRP’s “young guard” faction, was elected party leader last summer at the NRP’s convention. Burg has been a Minister almost without interruption for 35 years and a member of the Knesset for 38 years. He will retain his Knesset seat.
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