Netanyahu forms coalition shortly before deadline
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has finally managed to form his ruling coalition before a deadline for the formation of an administration.
Shortly before 11 p.m. local time on Wednesday, Bibi, the leader of Likud party, appeared before reporters at the Israeli parliament, Knesset, announcing a deal with the Jewish Home (Bayit Yehudi), a Zionist pro-settlement party.
The deal would give the Israeli premier the 61 seats necessary to form the administration.
In return for support from his eight MPs, Jewish Home chairman Naftali Bennett, the current economy minister, had demanded serving as the justice minister.
”Mr. prime minister, we are behind you for the success of the country and the government you head,” said the pro-settlement party leader, an outspoken opponent of establishing a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu was able to sign similar deals with other Israeli parties, the ultra-orthodox parties United Torah Judaism (UTJ) and Shas as well as the center-right Kulanu, in an attempt to gain the seats necessary out of the parliament's 120.
“I said that 61 is a good number, and we will get started. There is a great deal of work ahead of us,” he said during the Wednesday press conference, indicating that the Likud might continue negotiations for more power at the Knesset.
Gaining the minimum seats means Bibi can hold onto his premiership for a fourth term seven weeks after his party won the election.
NT/AS/MHB
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