The dire security situation has led to changes in the political sphere. The Arab unrest and the fact that Knesset members from the Ra'am party and Joint Arab List faction have not condemned acts of terror have hindered the chances of a Naftali Bennett-Yair Lapid government.
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Within the "anyone-but-Netanyahu" camp, too, officials believe that Bennett and Lapid will have "zero legitimacy from the public to form a government supported by the Arabs," and say the Arabs themselves will find it difficult to support a government.
Additionally, others on Tuesday said that a partnership between the Likud and Defense Minister Benny Gantz was back on the table.
As a reminder, two weeks ago, Likud officials offered Gantz a two-year rotation as prime minister. Those close to Gantz said he is strictly dealing with security matters and nothing else.
Along with the difficulties involved in forming a Bennett-Lapid government, some officials claim that coalition talks are ongoing, that a decision has been made to engage with the other relevant parties, and that any determination regarding Ra'am will be left until the end in the hope that the fog of uncertainty will have dissipated by then.
Among the issues still separating the sides is Lapid's demand that Meir Cohen is appointed Knesset Speaker. The New Hope party wants Ze'ev Elkin to receive the appointment.
Meanwhile, officials in New Hope have issued a new demand, whereby within the framework of a rotation deal, after Bennet serves as prime minister and Lapid replaces him, party chairman Gideon Sa'ar will receive the Foreign Ministry portfolio instead of Bennett.
On Tuesday, too, Yamina party members continued facing pressure not to form a government with the Left and supported by the Arab parties. MK Ayelet Shaked, number two in Yamina, is still working to assemble a right-wing government.
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