TV7 sources within the Likud insist the government will ultimately be formed in what would effectively resolve Israel’s political deadlock that has persisted since December 2018 and formally mark the start of Benjamin Netanyahu’s historic fifth term as Prime Minister. In related developments, yesterday morning the outgoing defense chief branded Netanyahu as “weak” for inadequately responding to threats posed by Hamas in Gaza. It was also apparent that Yamina Party leader and current Defense Minister Naftali Bennett’s public quest as being appointed the next Health Minister would not be realized. It has the backing of 72 MK’s, even though in recent days the Likud’s natural political partner Yamina announced it will join the opposition.Ī statement from the right-wing, national religious Zionist faction accused Netanyahu of “blatant disrespect for Yamina and its voters” and advancing “emerging policies that appear to make it a left-wing government.” Yamina Spokesperson Moshe Basos told TV7 in an exclusive interview that the party had “very much wanted to be part of the coalition,” but was forced to defect due to failure by Netanyahu and his delegation to hold any direct negotiations for nearly 2 months. Other disgruntled party-faithful are said to include David Amsalem, Yoav Galant, Gila Gamliel, Tzipi Hotovely, Ze’ev Elkin and former Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat.Īs it is, the next cabinet will be the most expansive in Israel’s history with a minimum of 34 ministers. Dichter, who is also the ex-Director of the Shin Bet Security Service, reportedly told his associates that Netanyahu had shown disrespect by failing to either meet or offer him position appropriate of his standing. The Likud showdown resulted when veteran politicians and former ministers Avi Dichter and Tzachi Hanegbi announced they would abstain from the affirmation election of the new government. Instead, eleventh hour machinations by the Likud forced Netanyahu to postpone the ceremony to Sunday.Īccording to a joint Likud / Blue and White statement sent to TV7, Gantz agreed to Netanyahu’s request for more time “to enable him to finalize ministerial appointments within Likud.” Gantz then informed Netanyahu that, “based on the agreement and this postponement,” he would withdraw his intended-resignation as Knesset Speaker as he would no longer set to immediately become Defense Minister. Thursday’s dramatic events occurred just hours before 120 Members of Knesset ( MKs) were slated to officially take their oaths of office, followed by an anticipated factional debate and vote to approve Netanyahu’s unity coalition with his political partner, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now engaged in mediating demands of his Likud party members for senior portfolios, in a development that unexpectedly delayed formation of the nation’s 35 th government.