Justice Minister David Libai added another Cabinet portfolio to his responsibilities when he became Interior Minister this week.
Libai took over the portfolio from Tourism Minister Uzi Baram, who announced in mid-May that he would be stepping down from the position in order to spend more time with his wife, who is suffering from cancer.
At a ceremony Thursday at the Interior Ministry, Libai expressed regret over Baram’s decision and said he would consult with him in the future on matters pertaining to the Interior Ministry.
Libai was expected to serve as interior minister temporarily.
The former Israel Defense Force chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Ehud Barak, had been expected to replace Baram at the Interior Ministry.
Barak turned down the post in May, but Israeli media quoted him at the time as saying that if he joins the government, he would prefer doing so in mid- November.
Baram, who will continue to serve as tourism minister, was appointed interior minister three months ago.
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