for the 1969 elections he was placed 27th on the gahal list, but missed out on a seat when the alliance won only 26 seats. however, he entered the knesset on 29 january 1970 as a replacement for the deceased aryeh ben-eliezer. he was re-elected in 1973 and 1977 and was appointed minister of housing and construction in menachem begin's government. in january 1979, he switched to the industry, trade and tourism portfolio.