Mofaz approved to be defense minister in Sharon's government

The Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon announced that the former Israeli army chief of staff Shaoul Mofaz agreed to join his ministry as a defense minister.

The Israeli Hebrew- language radio yesterday quoted Sharon as saying before the beginning of the weekly session of the Israeli government that Mofaz confirmed to him his official consent and that Sharon will ask for the consent of the Knesset to appoint Mofaz during its today's ession.

He added that the Israeli former prime minister did not give his final opinion concerning joining the forthcoming government.