January 21, 2013

JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed outgoing government minister Moshe Kahlon as chairman of the Israel Land Administration.

The appointment announced Sunday, two days before national elections, is seen by some as an election tactic designed to garner more votes.

Kahlon, as the country’s communications minister, gained popularity for cutting the prices on cellular phone services. In his new position he will oversee an organization that manages over 90 percent of the country’s land and stands poised to have an effect on housing prices.

Kahlon announced in October that he would take a break from politics and not run in the upcoming elections.

Central Elections Committee Judge Elyakim Rubinstein did not allow the Israeli networks to air Sunday’s news conference in which Netanyahu announced the appointment, saying it was considered illegal elections propaganda.
 

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