While there has not been much in the way of progress in the political negotiations between the Likud party and Blue and White in the meantime, there are those who refuse to give up hope.
Shas party chairman Aryeh Deri on Friday called on members of Blue and White not to wait until the last minute to join a unity government and risk dragging the entire country into what he said would be an "election disaster."
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Speaking to Israel Hayom on Friday, Deri said, "I call on the heads of Blue and White – you were chiefs of staff, and you dedicated the majority of your lives to the security of the state – you know as well as I do that to ensure the security of the state and the security of the people of Israel, we need a strong government. I call on you, in the name of accountability to the people of Israel, to eliminate any political or other considerations."
According to Deri, "There is only one framework on the table, the president's framework. There is no other alternative other than an 'election disaster.' Let's get this over with immediately. It would be a shame to drag it on another month, or another few weeks."
The time President Reuven Rivlin allotted to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with forming the new government is expected to run out on Oct. 23, following the Simchat Torah holiday.
A senior official from the President's Residence in Jerusalem told Israel Hayom that "the assumption is that the mandate will be given to [Blue and White leader] Benny Gantz, and Netanyahu will not be given an extension unless another lawmaker is named by party leaders during the round of telephone consultation President Rivlin will hold."
Upon completing consultations with party heads as to who should be tasked with forming a government late last month, Rivlin invited Netanyahu and Gantz to meet at his office. His goal: Advancing efforts toward the formation of a unity government between Blue and White and Likud. But when Blue and White opted not to take Rivlin up on his offer, the president made the decision to task Netanyahu with forming the government, giving him 28 days to this end.
