Silvan Shalom was offered the position of minister of regional development, as well as the title of deputy prime minister. The latter post had already been promised to Moshe Ya'alon, but Netanyahu is reportedly willing to appoint two lawmakers to the position.
Shalom rejected the proposal, and sources close to him said, "Netanyahu is not proving himself to be someone seeking to resolve the crisis."
Rumors of Steinitz's appointment raised tension within Shalom's office, though until a formal announcement is made, the latter was expected to persist in efforts to be granted the finance portfolio. Shalom staffers also tried to persuade Netanyahu to give him the position of acting prime minister in the event of the prime minister's absence.
