BICOM

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday requested a meeting with Ayman Odeh, the leader of the Joint Arab List, in a bid to improve relations with the Arab community.

Netanyahu faced strong criticism from many Israelis following an election day warning that his supporters must go to the polls because “Arab voters are coming out in droves.” Just days after the election, Netanyahu invited leaders of the Arab community and apologised, saying “I know the things I said several days ago offended some of Israel’s citizens, hurt the Arab citizens. This was never my intent. I apologize for this.”

His invitation to Odeh would appear to be another step towards repairing ties with the Arab community. Odeh, a first-time Knesset member, led his party to 13 seats, making it the third largest parliamentary party. He confirmed the invitation from Netanyahu yesterday and indicated that he would accept the offer, despite reservations. Odeh said, “I would like to believe that Netanyahu understands the terrible mistakes he made recently, but it seems that this is only a cosmetic move for the media.” He added, “We want a work meeting, not a PR meeting,” saying that he wishes to discuss his equality plan for Arab citizens, recognition for Bedouin communities in the south and home demolitions.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu and his Likud Party colleagues are continuing their efforts to form a coalition government. A report in Haaretz claims that Likud will offer a rotation for the role of Foreign Minister to Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett and Yisrael Beitenu head Avigdor Lieberman. Both parties performed poorly in last month’s election, but both consider themselves key allies for Likud.

It has also been reported that Netanyahu has offered Shas leader Aryeh Deri the role of Transport Minister. Deri had been considered favourite to become Interior Minister, but Kulanu is demanding a say in aspects of the Ministry’s work. If Kulanu does join the coalition, it will likely be the second largest faction.