Israel is set to have a record number of openly gay Members of Parlament (MP) after new rules allowing cabinet members to give up their seats came into effect.
Six gay MPs from five parties across the political spectrum will serve in the 120-seat Knesset as a result.
Last year, Amir Ohana, from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, became Israel's first openly gay member of cabinet when he was appointed acting justice minister. He is currently minister of public security.
The country has the most progressive attitude towards LGBT people in the Middle East, despite opposition from some conservative sections of society.
They are protected by anti-discrimination laws, have adoption and same-sex inheritance rights, and have been allowed to serve in the military since 1993.
Yorai Lahav-Hertzano will become the sixth
openly gay MP when he is sworn in next week
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