Deputy Leader of Israel
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In the State of Israel, there are currently three positions of deputy executive leaders: Vice Prime Minister, Second Vice Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister.
According to the official web site of the Israeli Knesset, "The position of Deputy or Vice Prime Minister is not an official job, rather an honorary position." (http://www.knesset.gov.il/govt/eng/GovtByNumber_eng.asp) Reviewing the list of members of the current government reveals that each person with such a title also holds a specific Cabinet portfolio.
The post of Vice Prime Minister (Hebrew: מ"מ ראש הממשלה) was held by Kadima Deputy Leader Ehud Olmert prior to the formal removal of Ariel Sharon due to incapacity. In the 31st Government Tzipi Livni (Kadima Party) was appointed to the position of Vice Prime Minister (and Foreign Minister).
Following Ariel Sharon's bringing the Israeli Labour Party into his coalition government however, the Knesset approved a Second Vice Prime Minister (Hebrew: משנה לראש הממשלה - Prime Minister and Premier in Israel refer to the same title), allowing the two parties to smoothly form a new coalition for the 30th Government of Israel. In the 31st Government of Israel, Shimon Peres is again the Second Vice Prime Minister (and Minister of the Development of the Negev and Galilee).
In the 30th Government of Israel, the post of Deputy Prime Minister (Hebrew: סגן ראש הממשלה) was held by Justice Minister Tommy Lapid, then by Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom. Following Shalom's resignation in January 2006, and until the installation of the Cabinet resulting from the March 2006 elections and subsequent negotiations, Israel did not have a Deputy Prime Minister.
On May 4, 2006, three persons were installed as Deputy Prime Minister for the 31st Government:
- Amir Peretz (Labour Party leader), Deputy Prime Minister (and Defense Minister)
- Shaul Mofaz (Kadima Party), Deputy Prime Minister (and Transportation Minister)
- Eliyahu Yishai (Shas Party leader), Deputy Prime Minister (and Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor)
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