The best person for the role

Justice Minister Yariv Levin has stated his intention to continue in his post if the Likud party wins the upcoming Knesset elections, aiming to implement his judicial reform agenda. However, the article posits that the size of the government itself requires more urgent reform than the judicial system.

The author proposes a structural change: each party in a coalition government should be entitled to only one minister. An exception would be made for the ruling party, which could have an additional minister beyond the prime minister. This approach aims to curb the expansion of government roles and ensure appointments are based on merit rather than political expediency.

When delegating ministerial portfolios, the prime minister should prioritize appointing the most suitable individuals, particularly those who received significant votes in their respective party primaries. The article criticizes the practice of appointing ministers for "jobs for the boys," suggesting this dilutes the effectiveness of governance.

Historically, Israel's first government comprised only 12 ministers. The current government, which began with 30 ministers and now stands at 24, is contrasted with previous governments that had as many as 36 ministers. The article notes that new portfolios are often created or old ones renamed for political convenience, contributing to an oversized government.

Beyond the sheer number of ministers, the article touches upon issues within core ministries like education. It suggests that while education was a primary focus for early Israeli governments, interest appears to be waning. This is evidenced by teachers facing increased workloads for less pay and fewer vacation days, indicating a potential decline in the sector's importance and support.