Twenty-eighth government of Israel
Encyclopedia
The twenty-eighth government of Israel
was formed by Ehud Barak
of One Israel
on 6 July 1999 after his victory in the May election for Prime Minister
. Alongside One Israel (an alliance of the Labor Party, Meimad
and Gesher), Barak included Shas
, Meretz, Yisrael BaAliyah, the Centre Party
, the National Religious Party
and United Torah Judaism
in his coalition. United Torah Judaism left the government in September 1999 due to a dispute over the transport of a turbine on Shabbat
.
Following the outbreak of the al-Aqsa intifada
, the government began to fall apart. Barak called a special election for Prime Minister in February 2001, which he lost to Likud leader Ariel Sharon
. Sharon went on to form the twenty-ninth government
on 7 March.
1 Although Tamir was not a Knesset member at the time, she was later elected to the Knesset on the Labor Party list.
2 The name of the post was changed to Minister of Science, Culture and Sport when Vilnai took office.
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
was formed by Ehud Barak
Ehud Barak
Ehud Barak is an Israeli politician who served as Prime Minister from 1999 until 2001. He was leader of the Labor Party until January 2011 and holds the posts of Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister in Binyamin Netanyahu's government....
of One Israel
One Israel
One Israel was an alliance of the Labor Party, Meimad and Gesher created to run for the 1999 Knesset elections.-Background:One Israel was formed by Labor leader Ehud Barak in the run-up to the 1999 elections with the aim of making Labor appear more centrist and to reduce its secularist and elitist...
on 6 July 1999 after his victory in the May election for Prime Minister
Israeli prime ministerial election, 1999
The second Prime Ministerial election in Israel was held on 17 May 1999 alongside elections for the 15th Knesset. Voter turnout was 69.0%.-Context:...
. Alongside One Israel (an alliance of the Labor Party, Meimad
Meimad
Meimad is a left-wing religious Zionist political party in Israel. Founded in 1999, it is based on the ideology of the Meimad movement founded in 1988 by Rabbi Yehuda Amital. At the national level, it was in alliance with the Labour Party, and until the 2006 elections, received 10th spot on the...
and Gesher), Barak included Shas
Shas
Shas is an ultra-orthodox religious political party in Israel, primarily representing Sephardic and Mizrahi Haredi Judaism.Shas was founded in 1984 by dissident members of the Ashkenazi dominated Agudat Israel, to represent the interests of religiously observant Sephardic and Mizrahi ...
, Meretz, Yisrael BaAliyah, the Centre Party
Centre Party (Israel)
The Centre Party , originally known as Israel in the Centre, was a short-lived political party in Israel. Formed in 1999 by former Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai, the aim was to create a group of moderates to challenge both Binyamin Netanyahu on the right and opposition leader Ehud Barak's...
, the National Religious Party
National Religious Party
The National Religious Party ) was a political party in Israel representing the religious Zionist movement. Formed in 1956, at the time of its dissolution in 2008, it was the second oldest surviving party in the country after Agudat Yisrael, and was part of every government coalition until 1992...
and United Torah Judaism
United Torah Judaism
United Torah Judaism is an alliance of Degel HaTorah and Agudat Israel, two small Israeli Haredi political parties in the Knesset. It was first formed in 1992.The two parties have not always agreed with each other about policy matters...
in his coalition. United Torah Judaism left the government in September 1999 due to a dispute over the transport of a turbine on Shabbat
Shabbat
Shabbat is the seventh day of the Jewish week and a day of rest in Judaism. Shabbat is observed from a few minutes before sunset on Friday evening until a few minutes after when one would expect to be able to see three stars in the sky on Saturday night. The exact times, therefore, differ from...
.
Following the outbreak of the al-Aqsa intifada
Al-Aqsa Intifada
The Second Intifada, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada and the Oslo War, was the second Palestinian uprising, a period of intensified Palestinian-Israeli violence, which began in late September 2000...
, the government began to fall apart. Barak called a special election for Prime Minister in February 2001, which he lost to Likud leader Ariel Sharon
Ariel Sharon
Ariel Sharon is an Israeli statesman and retired general, who served as Israel’s 11th Prime Minister. He has been in a permanent vegetative state since suffering a stroke on 4 January 2006....
. Sharon went on to form the twenty-ninth government
Twenty-ninth government of Israel
The twenty-ninth government of Israel was formed by Ariel Sharon on 7 March 2001, following his victory over Ehud Barak in the special election for Prime Minister in February...
on 7 March.
Cabinet members
| Position | Person | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Minister Prime Minister of Israel The Prime Minister of Israel is the head of the Israeli government and the most powerful political figure in Israel . The prime minister is the country's chief executive. The official residence of the prime minister, Beit Rosh Hamemshala is in Jerusalem... |
Ehud Barak Ehud Barak Ehud Barak is an Israeli politician who served as Prime Minister from 1999 until 2001. He was leader of the Labor Party until January 2011 and holds the posts of Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister in Binyamin Netanyahu's government.... |
One Israel One Israel One Israel was an alliance of the Labor Party, Meimad and Gesher created to run for the 1999 Knesset elections.-Background:One Israel was formed by Labor leader Ehud Barak in the run-up to the 1999 elections with the aim of making Labor appear more centrist and to reduce its secularist and elitist... |
| Deputy Prime Minister | Yitzhak Mordechai Yitzhak Mordechai Yitzhak Mordechai is an Israeli former general and politician. He served as a member of the Knesset between 1996 and 2001, and as Minister of Defense and Minister of Transport. He retired from political life after being indicted for sexual assaults during his military service and later... (until 20 May 2000) |
Centre Party Centre Party (Israel) The Centre Party , originally known as Israel in the Centre, was a short-lived political party in Israel. Formed in 1999 by former Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai, the aim was to create a group of moderates to challenge both Binyamin Netanyahu on the right and opposition leader Ehud Barak's... |
| David Levy David Levy (Israeli politician) David Levy is an Israeli politician who served as a member of the Knesset between 1969 and 2006, as well as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Immigrant Absorption, Minister of Housing & Construction and as a Minister without Portfolio... (until 4 August 2000) |
Gesher | |
| Binyamin Ben-Eliezer Binyamin Ben-Eliezer Binyamin Fuad Ben-Eliezer , , born 12 February 1936) is an Israeli politician and former military officer of Iraqi origin. He currently serves as a member of the Knesset for the Labor Party, and has held several ministerial posts, including Minister of Industry, Trade and Labour, Minister of... |
One Israel | |
| Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Minister in the Prime Minister's Office A Minister in the Prime Minister's Office is a minister and member of the cabinet appointed by the Prime Minister of Israel for the purpose of being involved in various matters on behalf of the Prime Minister.-List of current and former ministrations:... |
Haim Ramon Haim Ramon Haim Ramon is an Israeli politician who served as a member of the Knesset between 1983 and 2009, and as both Vice Prime Minister and Minister in the Prime Minister's Office with responsibility for state policy.-Biography:... |
One Israel |
| Minister of Agriculture Agriculture Minister of Israel The Agriculture Minister of Israel is the political head of the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and a relatively minor position in the Israeli cabinet. Since 1992 the full title of the position has been the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development , the Development Ministry having been... |
Haim Oron Haim Oron Haim "Jumas" Oron is an Israeli politician and former Minister of Agriculture. He is currently head of the political party New Movement-Meretz, for whom he served as a member of the Knesset.-Biography:... (5 August 1999 - 24 June 2000) |
Meretz |
| Ehud Barak Ehud Barak Ehud Barak is an Israeli politician who served as Prime Minister from 1999 until 2001. He was leader of the Labor Party until January 2011 and holds the posts of Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister in Binyamin Netanyahu's government.... (from 24 June 2000) |
One Israel | |
| Minister of Communications Communications Minister of Israel The Communications Minister of Israel is the political head of the Israeli Ministry of Communications and a relatively minor position in the Israeli cabinet. The post was established in 1952, and until 1970 was known as the Minister of Postal Services... |
Binyamin Ben-Eliezer Binyamin Ben-Eliezer Binyamin Fuad Ben-Eliezer , , born 12 February 1936) is an Israeli politician and former military officer of Iraqi origin. He currently serves as a member of the Knesset for the Labor Party, and has held several ministerial posts, including Minister of Industry, Trade and Labour, Minister of... |
One Israel |
| Minister of Defense | Ehud Barak Ehud Barak Ehud Barak is an Israeli politician who served as Prime Minister from 1999 until 2001. He was leader of the Labor Party until January 2011 and holds the posts of Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister in Binyamin Netanyahu's government.... |
One Israel |
| Minister of Education, Culture and Sport | Yossi Sarid Yossi Sarid Yossi Sarid is a left-wing Israeli news commentator and former politician. He served as a member of the Knesset for the Alignment, Ratz and Meretz between 1974 and 2006... (until 24 June 2000) |
Meretz |
| Ehud Barak Ehud Barak Ehud Barak is an Israeli politician who served as Prime Minister from 1999 until 2001. He was leader of the Labor Party until January 2011 and holds the posts of Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister in Binyamin Netanyahu's government.... (from 24 September 2000) |
One Israel | |
| Minister of the Environment Environmental Protection Minister of Israel The Environmental Protection Minister of Israel is the political head of the Israeli Ministry of Environment and a relatively minor position in the Israeli cabinet. The post was created on 22 December 1988, and until May 2006 was known as the Minister of the Environment... |
Dalia Itzik Dalia Itzik Dalia Itzik , born 20 October 1952, is an Israeli politician who currently serves as a member of the Knesset for Kadima. She has previously served in several ministerial positions, and on 4 May 2006 became the first female speaker of the Knesset, and has since served as President of Israel in an... |
One Israel |
| Minister of Finance | Avraham Shochat Avraham Shochat Avraham Shochat is a former Israeli politician who twice served as Minister of Finance.-Background:Shochat was born in Tel Aviv during the Mandate era... |
One Israel |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs Minister of Israel The Foreign Affairs Minister of Israel is the political head of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The position is one of the most important in the Israeli cabinet after Prime Minister and Defense Minister... |
David Levy David Levy (Israeli politician) David Levy is an Israeli politician who served as a member of the Knesset between 1969 and 2006, as well as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Immigrant Absorption, Minister of Housing & Construction and as a Minister without Portfolio... (until 4 August 2000) |
One Israel |
| Shlomo Ben Ami (from 2 November 2000) | One Israel | |
| Minister of Health Health Minister of Israel The Ministry of Health is a ministry in the Israeli government. The current Minister of Health is Binyamin Netanyahu of Likud.There is occasionally a Deputy Minister of Health... |
Shlomo Benizri Shlomo Benizri Shlomo Benizri is an Israeli politician and member of the Shas party. He represented Shas in the Knesset between 1992 and 2008, serving as Deputy Health Minister, Minister of Health, and Labor and Social Welfare Minister during the late 1990s and early 2000s... (until 11 July 2000) |
Shas Shas Shas is an ultra-orthodox religious political party in Israel, primarily representing Sephardic and Mizrahi Haredi Judaism.Shas was founded in 1984 by dissident members of the Ashkenazi dominated Agudat Israel, to represent the interests of religiously observant Sephardic and Mizrahi ... |
| Roni Milo Roni Milo Roni Milo is an Israeli politician, lawyer and journalist, and a former Knesset member who held several ministerial positions. He was also mayor of Tel Aviv from 1993 to 1998.-Political career:... (from 10 August 2000) |
Centre Party | |
| Minister of Housing and Construction Housing and Construction Minister of Israel The Ministry of Housing and Construction is a portfolio in the Israeli cabinet. The ministry was created in 1961, and until 1977 it was known as the Ministry of Housing. Construction was also previously part of the Labour and Construction ministry during the provisional government between 1948 and... |
Yitzhak Levy Yitzhak Levy Rabbi Yitzhak Levy is an Israeli rabbi and politician who served as a member of the Knesset for the National Religious Party and the Ahi faction of the National Union between 1988 and 2009... (until 12 July 2000) |
National Religious Party National Religious Party The National Religious Party ) was a political party in Israel representing the religious Zionist movement. Formed in 1956, at the time of its dissolution in 2008, it was the second oldest surviving party in the country after Agudat Yisrael, and was part of every government coalition until 1992... |
| Binyamin Ben-Eliezer Binyamin Ben-Eliezer Binyamin Fuad Ben-Eliezer , , born 12 February 1936) is an Israeli politician and former military officer of Iraqi origin. He currently serves as a member of the Knesset for the Labor Party, and has held several ministerial posts, including Minister of Industry, Trade and Labour, Minister of... (from 11 October 2000) |
One Israel | |
| Minister of Immigrant Absorption | Ehud Barak Ehud Barak Ehud Barak is an Israeli politician who served as Prime Minister from 1999 until 2001. He was leader of the Labor Party until January 2011 and holds the posts of Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister in Binyamin Netanyahu's government.... (until 5 August 1999) |
One Israel |
| Yuli Tamir Yuli Tamir Yael "Yuli" Tamir is an Israeli academic and former politician who served as a member of the Knesset for the Labor Party between 2003 and 2010, and as Minister of Immigrant Absorption and Education.-Biography:... (from 5 August 1999) |
Not an MK 1 | |
| Minister of Industry and Trade Industry, Trade and Labour Minister of Israel The Industry, Trade and Labour Minister of Israel is the political head of the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labour and a position in the Israeli cabinet.... |
Ran Cohen Ran Cohen Ran Cohen is an Israeli politician and former Knesset member for Meretz-Yachad. He is a resident of Mevaseret Zion and married with four children.... (until 24 June 2000) |
Meretz |
| Ehud Barak Ehud Barak Ehud Barak is an Israeli politician who served as Prime Minister from 1999 until 2001. He was leader of the Labor Party until January 2011 and holds the posts of Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister in Binyamin Netanyahu's government.... (from 24 September 2000) |
One Israel | |
| Minister of Internal Affairs Internal Affairs Minister of Israel The Interior Minister , also known as the Minister of Internal Affairs is head of the Israeli Ministry of Interior and an important portfolio in the cabinet. The current Interior Minister is Eli Yishai of Shas... |
Natan Sharansky Natan Sharansky Natan Sharansky was born in Stalino, Soviet Union on 20 January 1948 to a Jewish family. He graduated with a degree in applied mathematics from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. As a child, he was a chess prodigy. He performed in simultaneous and blindfold displays, usually against... (until 11 July 2000) |
Yisrael BaAliyah |
| Haim Ramon Haim Ramon Haim Ramon is an Israeli politician who served as a member of the Knesset between 1983 and 2009, and as both Vice Prime Minister and Minister in the Prime Minister's Office with responsibility for state policy.-Biography:... (from 11 October 2000) |
One Israel | |
| Minister of Internal Security | Shlomo Ben-Ami Shlomo Ben-Ami Prof. Shlomo Ben-Ami is a former Israeli diplomat, politician and historian.-Biography:Ben-Ami was born in Tangiers, Morocco, and immigrated to Israel in 1955.... |
One Israel |
| Minister of Justice Justice Minister of Israel The Justice Minister of Israel is the political head of the Israeli Ministry of Justice and a position in the Israeli cabinet. The current minister is Ya'akov Ne'eman, an independent who is not a member of the Knesset.... |
Yossi Beilin Yossi Beilin Dr. Yosef "Yossi" Beilin is a left-wing Israeli politician and a former Knesset member, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister and Justice Minister, representing both the Labor Party and Meretz-Yachad, of which he served as chairman between 2003 and 2006. He is best known for his involvement with the... |
One Israel |
| Minister of Labour and Social Welfare | Eli Yishai Eli Yishai Eliyahu "Eli" Yishai is an Israeli politician and head of the Shas party. He currently serves as a member of the Knesset for Shas, and as both one of four Deputy Prime Ministers and Minister of Internal Affairs.- Political life :... (until 11 July 2000) |
Shas |
| Ra'anan Cohen Ra'anan Cohen Dr Ra'anan Cohen is a former Israeli politician who served as a government minister during the early 2000s.-Biography:Born in Baghdad in Iraq, Cohen made aliyah in 1951. During his youth he was a counsellor in the HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed youth movement, and was secretary of the Labor Party youth... (from 10 August 2000) |
One Israel | |
| Minister of National Infrastructure National Infrastructure Minister of Israel The National Infrastructure Minister of Israel is the political head of the Israeli Ministry of National Infrastructure. From its establishment in 1977 until 1996, the post was known as the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure . The current minister is Uzi Landau of Yisrael Beiteinu.It succeeded... |
Eli Suissa Eli Suissa Rabbi Eliyahu "Eli" Suissa is a former Israeli politician who held several ministerial portfolios during the 1990s and early 2000s.-Biography:Born in Morocco in 1956, Suissa's family made aliyah to Israel later in the same year... (until 11 July 2000) |
Shas |
| Avraham Shochat Avraham Shochat Avraham Shochat is a former Israeli politician who twice served as Minister of Finance.-Background:Shochat was born in Tel Aviv during the Mandate era... (from 11 October 2000) |
One Israel | |
| Minister of Regional Co-operation Regional Development Minister of Israel The Regional Development Minister is a member of the Israeli cabinet. The post was created following the formation of a new government in March 2009, and is held by Silvan Shalom, who also holds the post of Minister of Development of the Negev and Galilee.... |
Shimon Peres Shimon Peres GCMG is the ninth President of the State of Israel. Peres served twice as the eighth Prime Minister of Israel and once as Interim Prime Minister, and has been a member of 12 cabinets in a political career spanning over 66 years... |
One Israel |
| Minister of Religious Affairs | Yitzhak Cohen Yitzhak Cohen Rabbi Yitzhak Cohen is an Israeli politician who has served as a member of the Knesset for Shas since 1996, and is the current Deputy Minister of Finance.-Biography:Born in Ashkelon, Cohen served on the city's council and was its former deputy mayor.... (until 11 July 2000) |
Shas |
| Yossi Beilin Yossi Beilin Dr. Yosef "Yossi" Beilin is a left-wing Israeli politician and a former Knesset member, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister and Justice Minister, representing both the Labor Party and Meretz-Yachad, of which he served as chairman between 2003 and 2006. He is best known for his involvement with the... (from 11 October 2000) |
One Israel | |
| Minister of Science 2 | Ehud Barak Ehud Barak Ehud Barak is an Israeli politician who served as Prime Minister from 1999 until 2001. He was leader of the Labor Party until January 2011 and holds the posts of Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister in Binyamin Netanyahu's government.... (until 5 August 1999 |
One Israel |
| Matan Vilnai Matan Vilnai Matan Vilnai is an Israeli politician and a former Major General in the Israel Defense Forces . He is currently Minister for Home Front Defense and a member of the Knesset for Independence.-Biography:... (from 5 August 1999) |
One Israel | |
| Minister of Social and Diaspora Affairs | Michael Melchior Michael Melchior A renowned Jewish leader, thinker and activist, Rabbi Michael Melchior is a leading advocate for social justice in Israel, quality education for all, Jewish-Arab reconciliation and co-existence, protection of the environment, Israel-Diaspora relations and the strengthening of Civic Society as a... |
One Israel |
| Minister of Tourism Tourism Minister of Israel The Tourism Minister of Israel is the political head of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism and a relatively minor position in the Israeli cabinet. The position is currently held by Stas Misezhnikov of Yisrael Beiteinu.... |
Ehud Barak Ehud Barak Ehud Barak is an Israeli politician who served as Prime Minister from 1999 until 2001. He was leader of the Labor Party until January 2011 and holds the posts of Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister in Binyamin Netanyahu's government.... (until 5 August 1999) |
One Israel |
| Amnon Lipkin-Shahak Amnon Lipkin-Shahak Amnon Lipkin-Shahak is a former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Member of the Knesset andMinister of Transportation and Tourism.-Military service:Lipkin-Shahak started his military service as a teenager in the military boarding-school in Haifa... (from 5 August 1999) |
Center Party | |
| Minister of Transportation | Yitzhak Mordechai Yitzhak Mordechai Yitzhak Mordechai is an Israeli former general and politician. He served as a member of the Knesset between 1996 and 2001, and as Minister of Defense and Minister of Transport. He retired from political life after being indicted for sexual assaults during his military service and later... (until 30 May 2000) |
Centre Party |
| Amnon Lipkin-Shahak Amnon Lipkin-Shahak Amnon Lipkin-Shahak is a former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Member of the Knesset andMinister of Transportation and Tourism.-Military service:Lipkin-Shahak started his military service as a teenager in the military boarding-school in Haifa... (from 11 October 2000) |
Center Party | |
| Deputy Minister of Communications | Yitzhak Vaknin Yitzhak Vaknin -Biography:Between 1982 and 1987 Vaknin served as secretary of the Gornot HaGalil communal settlement. In 1988 he became chairman of the committee of Ya'ara, a position he held until 1996. Between 1988 and 1993 he also served as secretary of Ma'ale Yosef Regional Council, and from 1993 until 1996... (until 11 July 2000) |
Shas |
| Deputy Minister of Defense | Efraim Sneh Efraim Sneh Efraim Sneh is an Israeli politician, physician, and a retired Brigadier General in the Israel Defense Forces. He was a member of the Knesset for the Labor Party between 1992 and 2008 and served in several ministerial posts... |
One Israel |
| Deputy Minister of Education | Meshulam Nahari Meshulam Nahari Rabbi Meshulam Nahari is an Israeli politician and member of the Knesset for the ultra-orthodox party Shas. He is a Minister without Portfolio serving in the Finance Ministry in the current government.-Background:... (until 11 July 2000) |
Shas |
| Shaul Yahalom Shaul Yahalom Shaul Yahalom is a former Israeli politician who served as a member of the Knesset between 1992 and 2006 for the National Religious Party.-Biography:... (until 12 July 2000) |
National Religious Party | |
| Deputy Minister of Finance | Nissim Dahan Nissim Dahan Nissim Dahan is a former Israeli politician who served as Minister of Health from 2001 until 2003.-Biography:Born in Morocco, Dahan's family made aliyah in 1955. He worked in the Ministry of Religious Affairs, becoming director of its organisations and institutions department... (until 11 July 2000) |
Shas |
| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs | Nawaf Massalha Nawaf Massalha Nawaf Massalha is an Israeli Arab politician. He became the first Muslim Arab to hold a ministerial position in the Israeli government when he was appointed Deputy Minister of Health by Yitzhak Rabin in 1992.-Background:... |
One Israel |
| Deputy Minister of Immigrant Absorption | Marina Solodkin Marina Solodkin Dr Marina Solodkin is a Russian-Israeli politician and a member of the Knesset for Kadima.-Biography:Born in Moscow in the Soviet Union , Solodkin studied at Moscow State University, where she gained a PhD in economic and social history, and went on to work as a scientist... (unntil 11 July 2000) |
Yisrael BaAliyah |
| Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs | Yigal Bibi Yigal Bibi Yigal Bibi is a former Israeli politician who served as a member of the Knesset for the National Religious Party between 1988 and 2003.-Biography:... (until 12 July 2000) |
National Religious Party |
1 Although Tamir was not a Knesset member at the time, she was later elected to the Knesset on the Labor Party list.
2 The name of the post was changed to Minister of Science, Culture and Sport when Vilnai took office.
External links
- Thirteenth Knesset: Government 28 Knesset website