Netanyahu strikes deal to form much-delayed govt
15 March 2013 7:29 AM IST
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu struck a deal to form the much-delayed next government ahead of US President Barack Obama’s maiden visit, after ironing out differences with coalition partners who arm twisted him during weeks of intense negotiations.
Israel’s 33rd government is expected to be sworn in on Monday after Yesh Atid (There is Future) (19) and HaBayit Hayehudi (Jewish Home) (12) parties reached an agreement with Netanyahu’s Likud Betenyu party (31) on various issues.
A spokesperson for the ruling Likud party confirmed the coalition deal between the three major factions after nearly 40 days of intense negotiations following January 22 polls.
Netanyahu had been under huge pressure to present a government with a working majority of at least 61 MPs within the 120-seat Knesset (parliament) before a 16 March deadline.
Netanyahu had already sealed a deal with former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni’s HaTnua (The Movement) party (6).
The new government, however, will be devoid of ultra-orthodox parties which otherwise were seen as right-wing Likud Betenyu party’s natural allies.
‘There is a government,’ Likud spokesperson Noga Katz said. The new government is likely to be sworn in before the 20 March visit by Obama, who will undertake his maiden visit at a time when the peace process between Israel and Palestinians is almost stalled. Former journalist Yair Lapid led Yesh Atid party and Netanyahu’s former aide Naftali Bennet led HaBayit Hayehudi parties joined hands in pushing Likud Betenyu party to edge.
Israel’s 33rd government is expected to be sworn in on Monday after Yesh Atid (There is Future) (19) and HaBayit Hayehudi (Jewish Home) (12) parties reached an agreement with Netanyahu’s Likud Betenyu party (31) on various issues.
A spokesperson for the ruling Likud party confirmed the coalition deal between the three major factions after nearly 40 days of intense negotiations following January 22 polls.
Netanyahu had been under huge pressure to present a government with a working majority of at least 61 MPs within the 120-seat Knesset (parliament) before a 16 March deadline.
Netanyahu had already sealed a deal with former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni’s HaTnua (The Movement) party (6).
The new government, however, will be devoid of ultra-orthodox parties which otherwise were seen as right-wing Likud Betenyu party’s natural allies.
‘There is a government,’ Likud spokesperson Noga Katz said. The new government is likely to be sworn in before the 20 March visit by Obama, who will undertake his maiden visit at a time when the peace process between Israel and Palestinians is almost stalled. Former journalist Yair Lapid led Yesh Atid party and Netanyahu’s former aide Naftali Bennet led HaBayit Hayehudi parties joined hands in pushing Likud Betenyu party to edge.
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