Netanyahu and Kahlon closer to coalition deal
Likud and Kulanu leaders say 'there was a positive atmosphere' in talks on formulating new government, add that 'progress was made'.
Negotiators from the Likud and Kulanu parties are working on formulating a coalition agreement, according to a statement released late Monday night after a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kulanu leader Moshe Kahlon.
The identical statements released by the parties said that "there was a positive atmosphere in the meeting, during which progress was made in coalition negotiations between the two sides.' At the same time, Likud and Kulanu's negotiating teams met at the Knesset to formulate the agreement."
Netanyahu and Kahlon are expected to meet again Tuesday.
During the election campaign, Netanyahu announced that he would appoint the Kulanu leader as finance minister. In addition, the party will receive the Construction and Housing Ministry, expected to be led by MK Yoav Galant. Kulanu, which won 10 seats in the election, is also expected to receive the Environmental Protection Ministry, as well as the Administration of Planning.
On Monday, President Reuven Rivlin acceded to Netanyahu's request for a 14 day extension to form a government.
Netanyahu told Rivlin: "We have made progress and are on the way to forming a government. However, I require additional time in order for the government to be stable and so that we might reach agreement on important issues that will aid us in meeting the challenges facing the State of Israel."
Rivlin wished him success and said in response: "The entire people of Israel hope that a government will be established…I hope that in the coming days you will succeed in forming a stable government for the State of Israel." Netanyahu has until May 7 to put together a government.
Likud negotiators have in recent days drafted a list of the agreements that they have reached with the ultra-Orthodox factions and the Kulanu party who are expected to make up part of the government. Netanyahu was to present this list to Rivlin when he sought the extension, to which he is entitled by law.
