Talks between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and New Hope leader Gideon Sa'ar could ultimately boil down to how long the incumbent prime minister would step down for 18 months right after swearing in a government, Israel Hayom has learned.
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Sa'ar, a former Likud challenger to Netanyahu who ran against him in the March 23 election and vowed not to sit in his government, has so far ruled out any coalition with the prime minister owing to his corruption trial. That intransigence has made Netanyahu's chances of swearing-in government on time slim. But a compromise of sorts that would allow him to keep his promise is now being discussed, Israel Hayom has learned.
Sa'ar has so apparently made it clear that any such deal would have to see Netanyahu step down for 18 months, but be allowed to serve as deputy to the prime minister and second in line. But Netanyahu has reportedly insisted that such a period be capped at one year.
Sa'ar has also made it clear, according to Israel Hayom sources, that under such a deal and during Netanyahu's period of stepping down, the prime minister would not be one of Netanyahu's two allies in Likud: Yuval Steinitz and Yariv Levin. That may not be a big obstacle, as Netanyahu is apparently leaning toward having Yamina leader Naftali Bennett or Blue and White leader Benny Gantz be prime minister for that period.
The two are also discussing various ministerial portfolios, according to Israel Hayom reporting. Both Likud and New Hope refused to comment on the report, with New Hope denying it entirely.
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