Yisrael Beytenu's leader says the only way to break the political deadlock is for PM Benjamin Netanyahu to waive his 55-MK bloc. Blue and White chair Benny Gantz should accept the president’s plan for the PM to take a leave of absence if indicted, he says.
Move appears aimed at shoring up opposition to attempts by PM Netanyahu's chief rival, Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz, to form Israel's next government. Bennett's New Right party will also be merging with Likud. Blue and White: "As usual with Netanyahu, the cynical appointment of Bennett stems from a narrow political and personal interest..."
Ayelet Shaked is trying to find her way back to her original political home, the Habayit Hayehudi party, insiders say. Move may have been ispired by longtime political partner Naftali Bennett's own attempts to find his way back to Likud.
Blue and White's leader says he "will not let the smaller parties dictate the national agenda." Gantz sends mixed messages as to whether plans to pursue a minority government with the Joint Arab List are viable. Likud minister warns such a scenario "would be extremely dangerous to Israel," must be "avoided at all costs."
The new center seeks to enable special education graduates to integrate into the workforce and build independent lives as young adults, rather than being solely dependent on government assistance.
The closed meeting between the leaders of Blue and White and Likud was to address the "existing political possibilities," parties say in joint statement. The two agree to meet again and to have the parties' negotiating teams continue their discussions. Ahead of the talks, Netanyahu says: “We must make tough decisions that require a government with broad shoulders."
"Benny is fed up with Yair's ego; he wants to establish a government and be prime minister," says party insider. Blue and White denies tensions between its leaders. Gantz to Netanyahu: "Together with you and with the other good people at the Likud we must act with responsibility."
Yisrael Beytenu leader, who has repeatedly attacked the haredi parties as part of his rift with the Right, attacks Israel Hayom report on new modesty guidelines for IDF soldiers.
Despite scenarios of a narrow minority government, Blue and White is expected to try and form a liberal unity government that includes the Likud but not the haredi parties. Likud MK David Bitan: We will see a government after Gantz's 28 days, not one formed by him.
Party officials are softening their stance toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and admitting that to avoid a third election, Benny Gantz needs Netanyahu in whatever government he forms.
