No deal yet in Yisrael Beitenu-Likud talks
Signing of coalition agreement postponed after long hours of negotiations yield no result on civil marriage issue. Lieberman leaning towards withdrawing demand to keep Friedmann on as justice minister
Yisrael Beitenu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman is leaning towards a compromise on his demand that Professor Daniel Friedmann stay on as justice minister in the future government, sources involved in the coalition negotiations said.
However, the sources said, Lieberman intends to pose several demands in exchange for the Friedmann clause.
Negotiators for the Likud and Yisrael Beitenu wrapped up another session on Thursday evening, parting yet again without a final agreement on the table. Lieberman joined the talks at the Kfar Hamaccabiah Hotel himself in the afternoon.
Estimates are that the deal will continue to be held up over disagreements on issues pertaining to conversion regulations. After many long hours, the sides decided to end the meeting and pick up again on Sunday.
Yisrael Beitenu MK Stas Misezhnikov summed up the meeting as "very productive, we made headway on
all the issues."
Misezhnikov admitted however that there were differences of opinion surrounding the issue of civil marriage. His party is also demanding the immigrant absorption portfolio.
Lieberman is leaning towards a compromise over Friedmann, but he has set a number of demands instead. Among other things Lieberman wants complete control over Israeli foreign policy – and involvement in the relationship to Washington, independence in the appointment of ambassadors and additional demands regarding the way the coalition and government will function.
