Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich has agreed to walk back his demand to become defense minister in exchange of the finance portfolio, paving the way for Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu to finalize the make-up of a governing coalition, according to reports.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Earlier, the defense portfolio led to an impacce in coalition negotiations as Netanyahu reportedly told Smotrich, who sought the role, that he would not be given the defense portfolio due to his lack of experience and objections from the Biden administration.
The position of finance minister was also eyed by Aryeh Deri, the chairman of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, but who dropped the demand in exchange for a compensation package of sorts.
Nevertheless, the Religious Zionist Party will have authority over policies in Judea and Samaria as they relate to civil administration and the enforcement of laws in mainly uninhabited areas, according to reports.
Netanyahu is now most likely to appoint Likud MK and former major general Yoav Gallant as defense minister, while Deri will, subject to his legal standing, become deputy prime minister and receive the aliyah and religious affairs portfolio.
It is yet unclear who will become foreign minister.
Report also said that Oztma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir will be named Public Security Minister, which would give him control over the police. On Monday night, however, the party said it was withdrawing from the negotiations claiming the Likud walked back its promise to grant the party the Negev and Galilee portfolios.
Nevertheless, Smotrich said on Tuesday morning that "a good government will be sworn in within days."
Netanyahu has until Dec. 6, with the possibility of a 14-day extension, to finalize coalition deals with his prospective partners.
Reprinted with permission from JNS.org.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
