Headlines
Netanyahu inks coalition with ultra-Orthodox Shas party
Jerusalem, May 5
Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party on Monday signed a coalition agreement
with the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, passing another hurdle on its way to
establishing a new government following the March 17 elections.
Under
the agreement, Shas leader Aryeh Deri would become the economy minister
and his party will obtain another two ministerial posts, including that
of the religious affairs ministry it has coveted, reports Xinhua news
agency.
The Likud party emerged as the largest party in the
120-seat parliament after gaining 30 seats in the elections. Netanyahu
was designated by Israeli President Rivlin to form a new cabinet after
being recommended by more than 60 parliamentarians.
Likud has
already managed to sign coalition agreements with the center Kulano
party, headed by former Likud member Moshe Kahlon, and United Torah
Judaism, another ultra-Orthodox party.
Netanyahu must present his
new government by Wednesday to the parliament (Knesset). His party is
now trying to finalise an agreement with the Jewish Home party in order
to muster support of at least 61 parliamentarians.
The Jewish
Home party's support is key to Netanyahu after Foreign Minister Avigdor
Lieberman announced earlier on Monday that his Israel Beytenu party will
not join the next government.
Lieberman will resign his post and remain a Knesset member serving in the opposition.
Without
Lieberman, Netanyahu has to settle for a right-wing coalition with a
narrow two-thirds majority of seats in the parliament, if he was able to
reach a deal with the Jewish Home. With Lieberman, Netanyahu would have
enjoyed a more stable coalition backed by 67 lawmakers.
Following Lieberman's resignation, Bennett may resume his efforts to
acquire the Foreign Affairs portfolio, which is also coveted by a number
of Likud members, the Ha'aretz daily reported.