Negotiations to form a coalition in Israel’s 22nd parliament continue after Likud, Blue & White talks collapse
By: i24 News
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party issued a statement to the press on Wednesday, saying the premier will meet Yisrael Beiteinu’s Avigdor Liberman on Thursday at 9.30 am as efforts to form a coalition continue.
According to the Likud, Netanyahu told Liberman “there’s no use in wasting the country’s time. We will meet, see if it’s serious or not, and accordingly will make a decision.”
The two are scheduled to meet at the prime minister’s office after negotiations between the Likud and Blue and White party collapsed. The latter’s leader Benny Gantz cancelled the unity government talks in a surprise move on Tuesday night, claiming Likud party negotiators were not acting “in good faith.” Earlier on Wednesday, Yisrael Beiteinu released a statement, saying that if negotiations between Netanyahu and Gantz won’t bear any fruit by next week, it will “present its own offer” for a coalition breakthrough.
“Even if new elections will occur, it looks like the political map won’t change significantly, and therefore a rational solution needs to be reached while personal deliberations and ego should be put aside,” Liberman told his party representatives, Hebrew-language outlet Ynet reported.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu slammed co-leader of Blue and White Yair Lapid, cited by Ynet as saying “the only reason there is no unity government is because of Yair Lapid. Lapid holds Gantz as hostage, and for unclear explanations — Gantz submits to him.”
Lapid did not hold back and responded on Twitter: “Indeed one person is holding the country hostage… [and] is preventing a unity government: Benjamin Netanyahu.”
(i24News)
