When reports of explosions in Gaza came in, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in Paris.

Who was in charge while the premier was away? Culture and Sport Minister Miri Regev assumed the position, while Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman had the authority to call together the security cabinet.
Every time Netanyahu leaves the country, he appoints someone to take his place. Of late, Regev has been his usual choice, based on her loyalty to Netanyahu.

The premier cut his trip short on Sunday night, and headed back to Israel, rather than leaving Regev with the reigns.

Netanyahu probably would have returned to Israel even if he had a permanent deputy, but the fact that a first-time minister was at the helm when a security incident broke out called attention to the lack of a vice premier. Continue reading