Likud optimistic government formed by next week
Netanyahu, Lieberman agree Yaakov Ne'eman will replace divisive Daniel Friedmann as justice minister. Although Yisrael Beitenu yet to sign coalition agreement, Likud officials estimate final details will be smoothed out over course of next week
After many long days of coalition negotiations, the Likud is optimistic that the talks will be concluded by next week and that Benjamin Netanyahu will be able to present his new government by Thursday, possibly Wednesday, as planned.
Netanyahu and Yisrael Beitenu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman have resolved one of the key points of contention, with Lieberman agreeing to compromise on his demand that Professor Daniel Friedmann remain justice minister. The two agreed that Professor Yaakov Ne'eman, who previously served as justice minister under Netanyahu in the mid-90s, would be appointed to the post.
The Likud's team of negotiators is expected to convene at the Kfar Maccabiah Hotel on Friday morning and meet with representatives from the National Union party in an effort to advance the talks.
National Union officials have said in recent days that the party wants the housing and infrastructure office and a deputy ministerial position. Likud negotiators believe a solution can be found for part of their demands, due to Shas' insistence it receive the housing and infrastructure office.
Teams for the Likud and Yisrael Beitenu are expected to meet again on Sunday to finish work on the wording of the coalition agreement draft. Yisrael Beitenu demanded, and received, the immigrant absorption office, as well as the position of deputy foreign minister for MK Danny Ayalon.
Negotiators for the Likud and Yisrael Beitenu wrapped up another session on Thursday evening, parting yet again without a final agreement on the table, mostly due to differences of opinion over the issue of civil marriage. Lieberman personally sat in on the talks.
Lieberman intends to pose several demands in exchange for his compromise on Friedmann.
The Likud also hopes to wrap up talks with HaBayit HaYehudi and Shas early next week, and have both sign the coalition deal. Headway has been made in the negotiations with both parties over the past two weeks, but there are still several issues with each that must be worked out.
