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Coalition speculation begins, Rivlin to meet party heads starting Sunday
With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looking to swiftly form a new government, speculation is already underway over who might fill key government positions.
President Reuven Rivlin said yesterday that he intends to begin meeting the heads of elected Knesset parties on Sunday, to receive their recommendations over who should form the next government. This is the first stage in the coalition building process and will almost certainly result in Rivlin inviting Netanyahu to build a coalition. Netanyahu will then have an initial four-week period to complete the process.
Netanyahu said that he has already contacted Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett, Yisrael Beitenu head Avigdor Lieberman, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, United Torah Judaism’s Moshe Gafni and Ya’akov Litzman, plus Kulanu head Moshe Kahlon. A coalition including all of these parties would guarantee a 67 seat majority in the 120-seat Knesset.
Widespread media speculation suggests that Kahlon will become Finance Minister and incumbent Moshe Ya’alon will remain Defence Minister. The NRG news website suggests that Naftali Bennett will be appointed either Foreign Minister or Justice Minister. Although Avigdor Lieberman wants a senior role, this remains in the balance with his Yisrael Beitenu party having secured just 5 seats. Senior Likud MKs including Gilad Erdan and Yuval Steinitz will also expect to be rewarded with prestigious ministerial positions. Meanwhile, Shas leader Aryeh Deri looks likely to become Interior Minister, a job he has previously held, while United Torah Judaism may be rewarded with the health portfolio.
Meanwhile, Labour leader Isaac Herzog vowed to remain a “worthy alternative in every field” as his party heads for opposition once again. He added, “We have proven that we know how to be a vigorous opposition.” Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid also appeared to offer a robust term in opposition, saying “Tomorrow morning we continue to fight.”
The final election results are expected this afternoon, which could see Meretz gain an extra seat and the Joint Arab List and United Torah Judaism lose one seat apiece.